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American Idiot

Why see American Idiot?

the award winning musical

American Idiot is a one-act, through-sung stage musical. The show is an adaptation of punk rock band Green Day's concept album of the same name. Additional Green Day songs were interpolated from other sources, including 21st Century Breakdown, American Idiot b-sides, and an unreleased song called "When It's Time". The book is by Green Day's lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong and director Michael Mayer. The music is by Green Day and the lyrics are by Armstrong.

What to expect

The story, expanded from that of the concept album, centers on three disaffected young men, Johnny, Will, and Tunny. Johnny and Tunny flee stifling suburbia and their parents' restrictions. The pair look for meaning in life and try out the freedom and excitement of the city.

Will stays home to work out his relationship with his pregnant girlfriend. Tunny quickly gives up on life in the city, joins the military, and is shipped off to war. Johnny finds a part of himself that he grows to dislike, has a relationship and experiences lost love.

Key Information

Audience

American idiot is suitable for audiences aged 12 and upwards (Strong language and simulated drug use).

Run Time

95 minutes with no intermission.

Dates

Finished Apr 22, 2014

Cast

Van Hughes - Johnny
Jake Epstein - Will
Scott J. Campbell - Tunny

Creative

Direction: Michael Mayer

Choreography: Steven Hoggett

Scenic Design: Christine Jones

Costume Design: Andrea Lauer

Lighting Design: Kevin Adams

Sound Design: Brian Ronan

Video Design: Darrel Maloney

Music Supervision, Orchestrations, Music Arrangements: Tom Kitt

Lyrics by: Billie Joe Armstrong

Music by: Green Day

Book by: Billie Joe Armstrong & Michael Mayer

Awards

2010 TONY AWARDS
Best Scenic Design of a Musical: Christine Jones
Best Lighting Design of a Musical: Kevin Adams

3 Nominations
Best Musical
Best Scenic Design of a Musical: Christine Jones
Best Lighting Design of a Musical: Kevin Adams

Reviews

Customer reviews

19 reviews, average rating: (3.7 Stars)

Anonymous

Amazing

Absolutely amazing show from start to finish. Not suggested for kids though. Or anyone that has a very conservative mind because the the message they are sending out will most likely not be liked (it's Green Day, viewers should listen to the soundtrack first). Such an emotional show. All of the elements--even the cussing--work for the show and are needed. And ladies you will enjoy the talented actors for sure. Be prepared to fan yourself. The theatre is beautiful. Agree if you are too tall you may not be comfortable. But our seats were perfect. Easily got to the theatre on BART. Best show I have seen and wish I had time to see it again. ... Read more

AnnieNym

WOW, this show just blew me away!!!

So, I am not a fan of Green Day, which may have helped me fall in love with this show in an instant! The high energy performances left me breathless and wanting more. The amazingly talented performers channeled Angst, Zeitgeist, and--well, Green Day-- perfectly. I wish I could see the show again, bummer, though it does not play in my neck of the woods anymore (even though I did contemplate driving to Atlanta for a few seconds). I really really want to have a DVD of this show. I would watch it over and over again. GO SEE THIS SHOW!!! This is my favorite musical to date--and I have seen quite a few musicals. Oh, and I would watch Green Day live because of this show, as well. GO SEE THIS SHOW!!! ... Read more

Anonymous

21st Century Masterpiece

American Idiot is phenomenal. It will have you laughing and crying all night. It leaves the audience emotionally and physical exhausted. As Bilie Joe Armstrong said in Broadway Idiot, it is a cold reality of what happened in America after 9/11. The album is true, the story is captivating and relatable to anyone. The set takes you to so many different places and after seeing it four times, going on six, I am still finding new things. It draws you in & makes you think about your place from the first line. It's always fresh. It's a story of love, rage, hope, being lost, adventure, sadness, addiction, political awareness, patriotism, joy, and so much more. The live band makes it real, and the actors are the best of the best. The singing is spot on and will bring you to your knees. Anyone can find a character to connect with. You are missing the experience of a lifetime until you see American Idiot. Billie Joe Armstrong and Michael Mayer have created something purely awesome. ... Read more
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