Fiercely Energetic…Emotionally Raw…Perfectly Executed – Rockin’ Mama
Photo Credit: American Idiot
Last week, the Ahmanson Theatre debuted Green Day’s American Idiot, a one-act musical sans dialogue, adapted from the rock band’s concept album by the same name. The musical, which received a Tony Award nomination for Best Musical, is a fast-paced emotional journey through a time in American history that can only be described as uncertain.
Photo Credit: American Idiot
As the musical opens, the audience is introduced to Johnny, Tunny, and Will…three childhood friends in search of meaning post 9-11. They’re young and anxious to leave the constraints of their suburban lives…to test out their freedom despite the consequences. As fate would have it, Will learns that his girlfriend is pregnant and begrudgingly chooses to stay behind while Johnny and Tunny set out to “find themselves.”
Photo Credit: American Idiot
Each of their journeys is complicated and wrought with pain…physical, emotional, and relational. Their individual stories, told exclusively through the lyric’s of Green Day’s music, are weighty and at times, unglamorous. We watch and come to understand why some like Tunny enlist in the Army and others turn to drugs…each struggling to feel something…to discover their self-worth. The musical touches on love and loss, addiction and recovery, despair and hope and offers some redemption (although definitely not what you might expect) at the end.
Photo Credit: American Idiot
To take an album and turn it into a Broadway-ready musical is nothing short of brilliant. Even if you’re unfamiliar with the band and their music, you’ll likely find yourself relating in some way to one of the characters…even if it’s simply reflecting on that time in your life when you struggled to find meaning. Despite the fact that American Idiot breaks tradition, it’s the music that is foundational to the production…the lyrics that evoke the kind of emotion that captivates and draws you in…the rhythm that will have you engaged until the closing act.
American Idiot will perform at LA’s Ahmanson Theatre through April 22nd, 2012. Ticket prices are as follows:
Tuesday-Thursday: $25-$95
Friday-Sunday: $30-$120
The theatre is also running a daily lottery where theatergoers can enter to purchase tickets for $30 (seats are located in the first two rows of the orchestra section). Those who don’t win the daily lottery will be included in a second chance “loser’s lottery” for complimentary tickets to the final Saturday night performance on April 21st at 8 pm.
For more information or to purchase tickets, just visit the website.
No compensation was received for this post. I was invited to opening night and provided media tickets.
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I saw that last month here in North Carolina!
My husband and I seen the tv ad for it and my hubby said it was a musical he’d actually go see! lol We both like Green Day so I think it would be cool to see.
I’ve seen some ads for it, it sure does look interesting!
Such an interesting concept for a musical. I am intrigued to say the least!
I’ve been looking forward to this coming to Southern California!
I loved it so much!! I thought we would be seated together or I would have said goodbye.
How cool is this!? Wonder if they’ll come to Scranton. 🙂
It looks like a ton of fun! I love musicals!
That is so cool!
I am not a fan of Green Day at all, but this is a cool concept!
This looks like such a fun show! Would love to see it!
Sounds like a really cool show! I loved Green Day growing up so seeing their music put to a play would be fascinating.
I am dying to see this!!! can’t wait!!! thanks for the close up!
I absolutely love the theater! That musical looks incredible!
Looks like a good show – I’ll have to check it out!
YOu get all the fun invites Caryn! Looks awesome!
It was AWESOME. 🙂 So glad I was with you to experience it!
I love this concept of turning an albumin to a musical just brilliant hopefully it comes to Columbus
I am a huge music fan and would love to see them do this concept with more albums. Super cool!