American Idiot

American Idiot - St. James Theatre (Viewed: January 2011)

I have always been a fan of John Gallagher, Jr. (Tony-Award-winner for his role in Spring Awakening) because I love the characters that he plays (e.g., besides Moritz from Spring Awakening, he was also in Jerusalem), and he STILL AMAZED me in American Idiot. Although it has closed shop on Broadway, the national tour launches this December, so anyone, who couldn't get their bums to NY, now has the chance to see it at a city near you...

**More raving...** This story was incredible! With so many shows currently set in past decades, this was the 90s, baby - our time! Punk, suburbia, loud music, some drug influences, etc. If you love Green Day, which I definitely pre-teen-rocked-out to Dookie in junior high, you'll love seeing a show put the music to life. The choreography and set took me away, too.

The special treat was seeing Billy Joe Armstrong, himself, play the role of St. Jimmy. He was powerful! I was sucked in. MUST SEE!

American Idiot won two 2010 Tony Awards®: Best Scenic Design of a Musical and Best Lighting Design of a Musical. It won a Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album.

Story Overview
American Idiot was adapted off of punk rock band Green Day's American Idiot album (among other songs from past albums). The story (and album), revolved around the lives of Johnny, Will, and Tunny. Johnny and Tunny escape suburbia to experience the big, exciting world out there. Will's girlfriend becomes pregnant so has to stay back to work out his relationship. Tunny quickly gives up the city and joins the military. Johnny goes through a period of changes, including his "meeting" with St. Jimmy and a relationship.