The One Where Dally Breaks Character

Date: 3/13/2025

I’m outside a large house in a fancy neighborhood with my mom, Renee, and someone else. My mom is talking about the day Miss Stella died and the day Renee was born, as though they were the same thing. Confused, I remind her that Renee was at least four or five when Miss Stella died … I see that one of my purple hand towels has been torn up and realize that Basil must’ve gotten to it … I’m watching a production of The Outsiders musical. The guy who plays Dally — a thick, black guy with short dreads — is standing on the hood of a car getting ready to sing a song when Renee — who is sitting beside me — says something involving the word “hot.” The actor suddenly breaks character, smiles, and says, “Not yet!” I realize that he’s making a reference to how Dally is going to get burned in a fire (really, it’s Johnny that gets burned). Somehow, Renee ends up approaching the stage with little notes for him and everyone finds this hilarious. I’m simultaneously tickled by this interaction, surprised that people aren’t mad about the interruption to the show, and jealous that Renee is getting to talk to him.