The American Idiot Musical Debuts
Performers on stage at the Berkeley Rep
Green Day were recently approached by Spring Awakening director Michael Mayer about transforming the rock trio's 2004 masterpiece American Idiot into a theatrical production. Frontman Billie Joe Armstrong, bassist Mike Dirnt and drummer Tre Cool gave permission for Mayer and his team to work American Idiot into a musical, which also includes some of the songs off of the band's May 2009 epic, 21st Century Breakdown and some unreleased songs from American Idiot, 'Favorite Son', 'Too Much Too Soon' and 'When It's Time'.
Once the news was released to the public, a manic buzz stirred around online and by mouths of Green Day fans. Most fans were excited about the band continuing American Idiot's story, and by doing so in such a different and fresh way. There was a minority of fans and critics that were skeptical, however; some even thinking the American Idiot story should be left with the final chord of the bittersweet and open-ended song 'Whatsername' ringing out, leaving our beloved characters Jesus of Suburbia, St. Jimmy and Whatsername in the punk world, not the musical one.
But Green Day insisted that the theatrical production would not disappoint. Armstrong is quoted by saying, "we aren't fruity", and that the musical wouldn't have much dialogue; it would have dancing, but 'violent' dancing, and that the band was pleased with the direction things were heading.
Fans anticipated, and fans doubted, but nobody was one hundred percent certain that the production was going to be amazing or terrible. That was, until The American Idiot Musical debuted in Berkeley at the Berkeley Rep, California on Friday.
Many fans were lucky enough to meet up with the band members who were sitting in the crowd with their families. Some people met Mayer as well.
Fans who attended said that the musical really did the album justice, and that they were blown away by the performers. So far, no word of disappoint has been spoken; only praise has been breathed, and we can only imagine how proud Mayer and Green Day must be of this astonishing adaption.
Due to high demand, the musical is extending its run for three more weeks, playing all around California, and there has been realistic rumors that it'll hit Broadway. For the fans who cannot attend these dates, they are hoping for a DVD. No word has been released on this, though, but only time will tell.
Visit this website for tickets, show times, cast and crew information. There is also a gallery and a review section, which will hopefully be updated shortly.
Also visit Berkeleyrep.org for similar information.
