The new musical, "American Idiot" with a, "book" by Billie Joe Armstrong and Director Michael Mayer, gives new life to Broadway in the most unconventional of shows since last seasons' [Title of Show].This new punk rock musical gives Spring Awakening a run for its' money in the teen angst genre. The score consists of the entire American Idiot album in addition to a few songs from Green Days' new album 21st Century Breakdown,(shameless self promotion if you ask me). The story itself leaves much to be desired as some have expressed their opinion that the musical indeed has no book at all and its solely focused on the music. This is partially true as this 90 minute emo dramatic rock show plays out. The audience is blinded and mind blown by the visuals in front of them and the new interpretations on the music they know all too well. As the evening goes on you are wishing there were more dialogue and less song after song after never ending song. One can only take so many songs in a row about how hard the characters lives are.
Leading the cast is Tony award winner John Gallagher Jr. as Johnny the troubled teen struggling to find his way in the world. Gallagher Jr.s' leading lady is "Passing Strange's" Rebbecca Naomi Jones as the infamous Whatsername. This powerhouse couple provide the vocals and acting chops that hold this show together. The passion and energy emitting from the pair truly impresses even the oldest uninterested grandparents who were dragged to the performance. John Gallagher Jr. is pure perfection with a perfect blend of innocence, humor, and perfecting the act of making his job look easy when it is incredibly difficult. Rebecca Naomi Jones is incredibly sexy as Whatsername as she prances around in her underwear. She wows audiences with her smooth cool sound, exotic beauty, and of course who can get past the hair. The chemistry between the two is inevitable and screams out for recognition at all times. As he and his two friends,(Stark Sands, Michael Esper) part ways each finds themselves on a journey. One to California, one enters the Army, and one is forced to stay home with his girlfriend who has recently discovered she is pregnant. With this less than groundbreaking story, something had to impress the Broadway audience and sell tickets. What wows crowds is the energy and talents of the incredible cast to make the most out of the little material they are given, as well as the overall design of the show including, sound, lighting, costumes, choreography, and set design. The set is truly impressing with a back wall extending up to the rafters covered in newspaper clippings and working televisions from every hanging on the wall. The scaffolding covering the back wall is versatile and moves around the set serving multiple purposes throughout the show. With a strong chorus, no standouts for me occurred, although together they are incredibly strong. Overall I would give this show a 70 out of 100. I would say the audio and visual aspects are enough to get passed the fact that there is hardly any story to hold you. Although I would never pay full price for this show I would definitely recommend American Idiot to anyone who is a Green Day fan, anyone under the age of 35, and anyone who wants their face to be melted off by rock and roll! Curbstomp your way to the St. James theatre to see this show today.
http://americanidiotonbroadway.com/
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