I saw the new Broadway-bound musical American Idiot at Berkeley Rep in September. Predictably, I loved it. Not a surprise since I love Green Day, especially their American Idiot album, and I love musical theater. It was an amazingly satisfying theater experience that has left me buzzing since September. Rent sorta changed my life, like many theater kids in my age bracket. It was the first time I remember a musical being "cool" and contemporary. Growing up in a suburb of Houston, there weren't that many kids around that loved musicals and dreamed about coming to visit New York City to see shows (ha). I educated myself about what was happening on Broadway through the internet. When the Rent original cast recording came out, I asked my Dad to take me to the nearest Sam Goody to get my copy. The Sam Goody lady took a look at the double-disc CD, and told my father that he should hear the content before letting my buy it. Luckily, my Dad is cool and didn't give a shit. Ugh, where is this story going? This is the type of thing I read in other blogs and proceed to vomit all over my keyboard because its so self indulgent.
The point is, it is really exciting to me when a show taps into a new generation and captures something contemporary - and American Idiot does this. Almost entirely sung through, it takes the essence of the CD (with authentic rock arrangements!) and turns it into a visceral, highly theatrical piece. The characters in American Idiot are not fully developed, and the book is paper-thin. Yes this could be improved upon - but it isn't something to harp over, because the show is about grand ideas and feelings. What the fuck does that mean?
The characters are types. The characters and "plot points" come together to capture the feeling of the current generation. The "I don't care" folk. The media-overload youth. The paranoia/depressed/hopeless. Sensory overload. Yes, it takes place during the Bush years. So we have a new President, the first Black one - and it was VERY exciting for a few months - but things are not better yet. No one can get a job. I don't need to tell you that. There was a time (right?) when you would graduate from college and then straight to a job and start a family. Not anymore. It is pretty hopeless out there, I think. Not just hopeless because of lack of jobs, but the American Dream isn't what it used to be, right? Hyper, "wild" kids are put on antidepressants or adhd drugs. The numbing already starts at childhood - so where do you go from there? Take drugs for the rest of your life? I can't figure it out, thats for sure. Yes, there are lots of people with their shit together, but there is an underlying attitude of not giving a fuck. Also, American-pride is at a pretty low level. Honestly, seeing American Flag pins of people's jackets annoy me. I ADMIT IT - I'm not into the flag. Maybe I have a shitty attitude, but lots of people do - and that is American Idiot.
The entire show has people trying to connect that don't know how. I won't spoil it, but that plot point doesn't really change throughout the course of the piece. I think a big complaint about the show is that it is really hard to care about the main characters, because they are mostly a bunch of losers. They are flawed, and for the most part, don't redeem themselves. The show is about people on a road to no-where - and the emotions that are stirred up when you are lost in life and in your teens (and 20s!). I was often touched by the "losers" that make up American Idiot, because I can relate, and I think many others will also.
Sounds like an uplifter - right? Well, the show is a 90 minute ride that doesn't stop once it starts. The second John Gallagher Jr. sings his first phrase, the raw energy of the entire cast and band does not let up. Even the soft ballads are full of angst, sadness, and a throbbing bass that doesn't quit (its true!). The singing is fantastic - and vocal arrangements are powerful ("Holiday", "Jesus Of Suburbia", Are We The Waiting") and beautiful ("21 Guns", "When September Ends", "Whatsername").
The choreography and visual language is astonishing. I can't imagine the show without it at this point. It is a fully unique movement that lifts the music up. The set and lighting (they are one in the same) are pretty spectacular and help make the show an eye-popping visual stunner.
Yes, everyone in the cast is really hot. It looks like an American Apparel/America's Hottest Hipster catalogue. The whole thing is STYLE STYLE STYLE. However, it is a fucking great style that had me entertained for 90 minutes. I think with a little more book tinkering to help clean up a few plot points (Michael Esper and his pregnant girlfriend's storyline) - it will be ready to win over audiences and critics on Broadway. Well it won me over, obviously.
Gush gush gush. I loved it.
