Idiots on Parade

At long last, Broadway has gone punk with the highly anticipated debut of Green Day's American Idiot. I had doubts and expectations of Broadway choreographers and songwriters taking one of the most sacred albums of the past decade and hussy-ing it up with frilly Broadway bullshit. I was (happily) mistaken. American Idiot was smart, funny, and an absolute spectacle for the eyes and ears. The amps were blaring, the pipes were wailing and there was nothing you could do about it. Except watch in awe.

Upon entry, Sharpies await ticket holders to tag the walls of the St. James Theater entryway. Pretty cool idea. If your mind isn't totally blown by the opening number, American Idiot, you will follow the story of three "Idiots" as they try to make something of themselves, accepting responsibility outside of their parking lot and off of their couch. Its a fundamental idea that speaks to any teen/twentysomething suffocating in their hometown crying out for something more. Mind you, this type of individual flooded the audience. The idea is evident throughout the record and highlighted in the plot of the stage adaptation.

Lead Idiot Johnny/Jesus of Suburbia is played by John Gallagher Jr. of Spring Awakening fame for which he won a TONY for Best Featured Actor in a Musical in 2007. He does not disappoint. All three leading men surprisingly deliver with a lot of heart and Billie Joe attitude. The energy was that of a concert rather than a musical, or any musical I've ever seen. The musical version of the rock opera has come a long way from its original CD release. It has been under development by the Berkley Repertory Theater in Green Day's Northern California hometown since 2008. I was happy to see that Mr. Armstrong penned the book to the musical along with TONY Award winning Spring Awakening director Michael Mayer. The duo proved to be a perfect pair, staying true to the vision of the album, orally and visually, without making it corny or unbelievable. The music alone needs to be listened to with a fresh set of ears. Tossing preconceived feelings and radio interpretations of the songs away and listening to the lyrics and the story it creates is really the key to it all. Then and only then does it become the masterpiece that these three Bay area punks meant it to be.

Overall, American Idiot is the best thing to hit Broadway since RENT. Fundamentally, it has the same bad ass style and heartfelt music as the Jonathan Larson classic, both sending a very powerful message to its adoring audience.

EVERYONE GO GET TICKETS NOW! Thank me later.

Sidenote: Green Day sat in the Orchestra watching their rock opera finally come to fruition on opening night in the best city in the world. And it didn't suck! Bravo.

American Idiot began previews last night, continuing to mid April. Regular showings begin on April 20th . Tickets are available on Telecharge.