Fist-pounding the stage to ear-blasting rock music proves that former ASU student Krystina Alabado’s career is anything but a “Boulevard of Broken Dreams. “American Idiot,” a Broadway musical tribute to the multi-platinum band Green Day, will be rocking Arizona audiences at ASU Gammage.
The musical tells the story of three lifelong friends forced to choose between their dreams and the safety of suburbia.
Krystina Alabado, a Phoenix native, attended ASU for one year before she was cast in the first national tour of the Tony award-winning musical “Spring Awakening.”
Ensemble member Alabado answered a few questions for The State Press about her experiences in "American Idiot."
The State Press: What is the biggest difference between a national tour and a Broadway run in New York?
Krystina Alabado: I’ve been able to do both and the experience itself is the same. “American Idiot” was condensed in order to take it on the road.
The audience is seeing the exact same show, but each has its good parts. It’s nice to be settled in NY but fresh to be in so many different cities.
SP: Which number from “American Idiot” is your favorite to perform?
KA: “Whatsername” is one of my favorites because it’s a culmination of dance numbers, and "Are We the Waiting" because we are just standing onstage waiting in our underwear, holding guns (to) be drafted.
Also, I really enjoy “21 Guns.” Every number is go, go, go except (“21 Guns”). Director Michael Mayer is an inspiration to performers.
He took a chance on a young girl by casting me in “Spring Awakening” and makes each number an enjoyable piece to perform.
SP: How does this tour specifically stand out as a tribute to the band?
KA: Green Day helped write the show and Billie Joe Armstrong is the Broadway lyricist. It’s been amazing to work with and learn about him as more than just the singer of Green Day.
On this tour, we’ve learned the choreographed changes, and we recreate it together as a company.
SP: Why does “American Idiot” appeal to such a broad audience? What do you believe Gammage audiences will take away from the show?
KA: “American Idiot” is the true form of Green Day’s album — with harmonies. Everyone takes something different and we can all relate in a different way.
For example, wishing for something more than what we have and doing something bigger. It is such a raw show. Not trying to be anything it’s not meant to be.
“American Idiot” will open at Gammage on April 24 and will run until April 29.
On Wednesday, students who arrive at the Gammage box office from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. can purchase student rush tickets for $25 and also receive an “American Idiot” T-shirt.
Reach the reporter mkthomp5@asu.edu
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