From the original music of Green Day comes a two-time Tony Award-winning punk rock musical, “American Idiot.” Set in suburbia, USA, “American Idiot” chronicles the lives of three rebellious and well-intentioned youths who are fed up with the current tirade of government bureaucrats.
Performed at the ASU Gammage, the story itself is a simplification of frustrated, yet far from naïve young men who take out their vexations by committing themselves to deeds that transcend what people would expect.
Johnny (Van Hughes) leaves suburbia, succumbs to the lure of heroin and becomes infatuated with a girl referred to as “Whats-her-name” (Gabrielle McClinton)- creatively portrayed as both a character and the closing number of the show.
Tunny (Scott J. Campbell) enlists in the army after the rough realization that not even the urban life is enthralling enough to pacify him. He is wounded leading him to the hospital where he meets an “Extraordinary Girl” (Nicci Claspell) with whom he floats around in the air hanging by wire, one of the more memorable and artistic scenes.
Lastly, there’s Will (Jake Epstein) who transitions from adolescence to manhood when he gives up the urban ideal to stay with his pregnant girlfriend, Heather (Leslie McDonel). This character follows a seemingly dry plot line until he sings Green Day’s famous ballad, “Wake Me Up When September Ends.” The song was both an emotional shock and testament that the simplest musical numbers leave a lasting tune.
“American Idiot” director Michael Mayer brought the musical to Broadway and continues along the journey with the show’s national tour. The storyline was worth watching, the lights were dazzling (and also won a Tony Award for Best Lighting Design), but it’s the music transformed into a musical that is the captivating feature.
Green Day vocalist and guitarist, Billie Joe Armstrong, composed both the book and lyrics for “American Idiot”- the person most worthy of the job. Bassist Mike Dirnt and drummer Tré Cool complete the punk rock scene of the band.
The show brings to life the genius idea to take a popular Grammy award-winning record and craft it into a melodic production that combines and shares both the beauties of recorded music and live theatre.
Students who are looking to save money can participate in the lottery drawing held each day two and a half hours prior to show time. Arrive at the ASU Gammage Box Office for a chance to win orchestra seats for a discounted price of $25, cash only. “American Idiot” runs from April 24-29.
Reach the reporter at mkthomp5@asu.edu
