I'm a big fan of musicals and fan of Greenday so couldn't wait to see how it all came together. Without going into all the waffle I will say I thoroughly enjoyed it and yes would definitely go see it again.
The energy and vocals were amazing and I loved the storyline. I don't think it was missing anything. So yes I would recommend seeing it. - maz
16 Nov 12
Ps and you could also remove Busch and change it to any president, the point is supposed to be that youth never feel like they are getting heard, just look at the issues that were on display during the recent American elections - Craig
13 Nov 12
I never saw this show as a show that required a strong narrative. The piece like the music was always about expression through emotion. It's a muddled piece because they are muddled, seeking to get to a point where they can stop shouting/crying and be heard. The 3 boys story of what they do (army, drugs, trapped by pregnancy) may seem cliche but it's using the 3 points because they are most relatable. I would HATE if this was a book musical with scene then song, that is now what the band or the main album screamed for. Also the show is not a jukebox musical, much like Tommy the album was concurred with story and characters. Also the directing in the show I think is superb, it screams at you and attacks you, it's another angry voice. American Idiot seems to be enjoying good reviews from the big national papers but struggles with a few locals, strange. The piece was always designed to be structured much more like an Opera and I think it does it beautifully - Craig
13 Nov 12
I was genuinely excited after hearing the rave reviews previously having scepticism as to how they could tastefully merge a Green Day album in a musical theatre setting. No longer did the curtain raise, my expectations were diminished. My scepticism was reinstated by a barely legible and pointless story and a constant barrage of dated and cliché directing choices.
A story of three adolescent men against the backdrop of a dated storyline of Bush's America didn't resonate or punch my heart. Instead I questioned the relevance of American Idiot in 2012, feeling slightly like it is already out-of-date. There were no characters that you could on to. No story that I cared about which led to a lack of interest and investment.
The set was undeniably excellent in both function and aesthetics but I can't help feeling that behind all that form, that there is a better story that could give relevance, depth, meaning and substance to an audience that, at points, felt unsure of how to receive the musical, made evident by their lack of response.
Being in a large theatre didn't help the incredibly energetic and talented cast. American Idiot would suit a smaller venue in which its audience could feel immersed in the energy and genuinely in contact with the sweat in which the hard working cast shed in the constant offering of rock numbers. I sat unmoved at every stage and never once did the performer’s energy transfer to it’s unmoved audience, who sat static and immune to any possible emotional response. I remained external, a stagnating bystander, made so by the lack of interaction. A musical set out to be 'groundbreaking' seriously needed to address its book. The form was evident, but the source has been either mistreated by some of its creative team or it never had substance in the writing process which both hinge on the Director Michael Mayer.
Special mentions must go to the committed cast and focused and tight band, but mostly to the choreography by Steven Hoggett for being relevant and inventive.
At the end if the night I'm not really sure who American Idiot is for? Fans, teens or musical theatre goers. I'd be as bold as to say none. It just doesn't gel and certainly didn't make me feel like a standing ovation was on the cards.
- James Baker
