So this evening, I had the pleasure of finally seeing American Idiot The Musical on Broadway at the gorgeous St. John’s Theater, and I am without words on where to begin.
This musical truly is a brilliant, creative masterpiece, and stands alone in a genre of its own originality and style. Certainly a ROCK OPERA, the play is based on Green Day‘s multi-platinum and Grammy Award winning 2004 CD of the same name.
Additionally, several songs are from their musical sequel album 21st Century Breakdown, released in 2009. Singer and lead lyricist of Green Day, Billie Joe Armstrong, and Director Michael Mayer (Spring Awakening) co wrote the book for this play together, based on the stories told from the musical CD.
It tells the story of 3 young rock and roll men from typical suburbia, Johnny (an AWESOME and oh-so-talented John Gallagher Jr.), Tunny (Stark Sands), and Will (Michael Esper). It centers around rebellious youth, in a post 9/11 world, filled with political undertones and some very important messages. Green Day has something to say, and their album is meant to be told through these incredibly talented young actors. As their lives each take a different path, the songs take them through personal heartache, politics, war, drug abuse, and sex. American Idiot has a message to deliver, and it certainly makes sure the audience receives what it is trying to say.
Everything from the breathtaking set design (Christine Jones) to the large cast of immensely talented musicians and dancers is on POINT. The experience you will get coming from seeing this play is indescribable and will leave you wishing it had never ended. Yes, this musical is THAT good.
I highly recommend it, and if you are a long time fan of Green Day-as I am- you will walk away very, very proud. Also congrats to the three TONY nominations “American Idiot” received today!
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American Idiot St. James Theatre 246 West 44th Street (Between Broadway and 8th Avenue) New York NY 10036 95 minutes, with no intermission Purchase your tickets here on the official website
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