Putting aside everything that I had read about the production, I entered the auditorium with a relatively open mind, being extremely fond of the original American Idiot album and determined to see it be done justice, as well as an extreme curiosity as to how it could possibly be adapted into a stage show. I wasn’t disappointed.
The stage looked like something what wouldn’t be far out of place on a Hollywood movie set, with around 40 plasma screens flickering in the dark, each playing the same distorted speech from George Bush (the original ‘American Idiot’), switching to and from grainy black and white footage of US military, very reminiscent of the Holiday music video, something that faithful fans will no doubt pick up on.
Exploding into the stage with the almighty anthem that is American Idiot, the audience were left in no doubt that the next two hours of their lives would be some of the most rock ‘n’ roll they are likely to ever experience at the theatre again. The first solo guitar riff, now as i
nstantly recognisable as Green Day themselves, blasts from the speakers, and so it starts. Two hours of pure genius on the part of the actors, writers and simply everyone involved in the production.
The story itself revolves around three friends, Jonny (Alex Nee), Tunny (Thomas Hettrick) and Will (Casey O’Farrell), who are desperate to escape the monotony of suburban life, and thirsty for the bright lights and excitement of the city. Not all goes to plan though, as the friends find themselves washed up and longing for the security and comfort of the small- town community they had left behind, a poignant reminder that the grass is not always greener.
Set in a post 9/11 America, the trio decide to relocate to the big city, hoping to follow their dreams and get away from their stifling small- town community. A glitch is soon apparent; however, as during the excitement of planning their adventure, Will’s girlfriend Heather (Kennedy Caughell) reveals she is pregnant, forcing him to stay home. Nevertheless, Jonny and Tunny set off to the city, along with a whole crew of their likeminded friends to the tune of Holiday, an adequately named soundtrack. Not long after, Jonny falls in love with whatsername (Alyssa DiPalma) and is happy for a short time, before he falls under the grasp of his demons, manifesting in the character St Jimmy (Trent Saunders) who encourages him to shoot heroin and act out, eventually forcing a frightened whatsername to leave him. Meanwhile, Tunny enlists in the US army after city life didn’t live up to expectations, and ends up severely injured and hallucinating in an army hospital, being cared for by Extraordinary girl (Jenna Rubaii).
After a year of their paths going awry, the duo head home where an emotional reunion takes place. By this point Jonny had got clean and found himself an office job, but, still pining for whatsername, realised the city was no place for him. Tunny is revealed to be an amputee, and introduces Extraordinary girl as his girlfriend. Heather also returns with Will’s child and a new rock star boyfriend, forcing Will to revaluate his life.
The songs were brilliantly relevant to the scene that was unfolding, leading me to wonder if the entire of Green Day’s back catalogue of songs were written with this storyline in mind. It all seems too convenient. But such is the genius of Armstrong’s lyrical ability, an undeniable ability to capture sentiments in a single song that sends a chill down your spine. Indeed, Casey O’Farrell’s solo performance of Wake me up when September ends is the best example of this. Originally a tribute to Armstrong’s late Father, it is easily adapted to fit Will’s situation, who by this point had lost the people he cared about most; his child and girlfriend, after she grew tired of his drug and alcohol fuelled wallowing. The solo acoustic performance was one of the most haunting moments of the night.
However, as a regular at local rock shows, the ‘theatre experience’ was quite a shock to the system. If you go expecting a heavy, raw, angry Green Day gig, it is most definitely not that. Despite the gritty nature of the storyline and powerful rock anthems, the colourful costumes and choreographed dance routines firmly reminded you that you were at the theatre; a complete contrast to Billie Joe Armstrong’s now infamous recent stage antics (smashing up the stage and dissing Justin Bieber, no less), and it leaves a hungry longing to experience the real thing. The most obvious difference, for me, was the inability to jump up and down and scream and shout; instead having to settle for light foot tapping, a polite round of applause after each song, and a few sly woops and cheers.
Moreover, a slight surprise came in the form of the majority of the audience: middle- aged, well- to- do and distinctly non- punk- looking. They looked less obvious Green Day fans than the blatantly hardcore teenage fans forking out a small fortune in pocket money on hoodies at the merch stand. Perhaps they had bought tickets in the hope of seeing a political drama they could politely discuss with their friends over dinner? Who knows? It doesn’t matter anyhow, because after the performance I have no doubt that they have been converted, if the rapturous applause and huge grins were anything to go by. I wouldn’t expect to see them with tattoos and piercings any time soon, though. One step at a time.
Having said that, the production was nonetheless as brilliant as it could be, showcasing flawless acting, singing and dancing from the exceptionally talented cast, and an undeniably clever plot to compliment the already legendary songs, living up to my high expectations after reading several glowing reviews.
My final word? American Idiot is on tour in the UK until 8th December. So go see it. NOW. You won’t be disappointed!