Review for American Idiot at the Ahmanson Theater

Blazing in on a blast of energy and punk musical theater rage, American Idiot is making its well-anticipated Los Angeles premiere at the Ahmanson Theatre from now until April 22. American Idiot tells the story of three friends who long to escape their self-described hell of suburbia with decidedly disappointing results. One can’t even leave their town, one gets seduced into the military, and the other succumbs to the allure of drug addiction. But the story isn’t the focus of this show: with very little dialogue, American Idiot brings to life Green Day’s seminal album as well as other songs from their catalogue by doling out those songs to the three characters and the women around them.

The show is every bit as powerful as it was on Broadway, with a young cast that mixes Idiot veterans with newcomers. Van Hughes is excellent as Johnny, who anchors the show with his voice and his guitar playing. Scott J. Campbell is a wonderful gentle giant as Tunny the enlistee. And Jake Epstein takes the very difficult role of Will, a guy who never leaves his couch, and makes him incredibly sympathetic. The Tony-winning industrial set is filled with scaffolding and TV monitors that comment on the action, and the Tony-winning lighting is particularly evocative. Every cast member is fiercely committed, and I’m a huge fan of Steven Hoggett’s choreography. If I had to pick a favorite moment, it would be Tunny’s dream in the military hospital, where he and The Extraordinary Girl (Nicci Claspell) literally take flight, and my favorite cast member would be Leslie McDonel as the pregnant girlfriend and the best dancer in the company.

American Idiot is a special, rewarding, even challenging show that was passed over for the Tony for Best Musical by the far more conventional (and, in my opinion, inferior) Memphis. Don’t miss it! - Andrew Blau

Green Day’s American Idiot

Ahmanson Theatre, downtown at the Music Center

March 13 – April 22

For tickets call 213.972.4400

or visit http://www.centertheatregroup.org/IDIOT

Performance Schedule:  Tue – Fri at 8, Sat 2 & 8, Sun 1 & 6:30

For groups of 15 or more, call 213.972.3000

The music of Green Day and the lyrics of lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong capture the spirit of a generation with its Grammy® Award-winning multi-platinum album. American Idiot puts those raw emotions front and center in a highly theatrical and thoroughly satisfying rock opera that burns up the stage.  The songs are bursting with emotion.  The story dares you to feel and celebrate and hope.

Monster hits like “Boulevard of Broken Dreams”, “21 Guns,” “Wake Me Up When September Ends,” “Holiday” and the title track soar like they were written for the stage under the direction of Tony Award® winner Michael Mayer (Spring Awakening), choreography by Olivier Award winner Steven Hoggett (Black Watch) and music supervision, orchestrations and arrangements by Pulitzer Prize winner Tom Kitt (Next to Normal).

WE CAN'T WAIT! SO CHECK OUT:

Special Ticket Offers for American Idiot!

GREENSEATS! Save 50% on Mezzanine seats!

Rear Mezzanine seats are just $42.50 (Tues-Fri; Reg. $85) or $50 (Sat-Sun; Reg. $100) for all performances through March 25 including the Gala Opening on Wednesday, March 14!    Call 213.972.4400 and mention code GREENSEATS or visit www.CenterTheatreGroup.org/GREENSEATS.

Feeling lucky? Come downtown and register for the daily lottery!

Get up close and personal!  Sit in the front row for only $30! If your name is selected, you can purchase up to 2 tickets in the FIRST 2 ROWS of the theatre for just $30 each*! Visit http://www.centertheatregroup.org/lottery for more details.

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*To register for the lottery, visit the Ahmanson Theatre Box office to fill out form with your name, address, phone number and email address.  Registration begins at 12noon (Tuesday – Saturday) and at 11am (Sunday) and continues until the live drawing takes place 90 minutes prior to the performance.  On days with matinee and evening performances, you may register for both simultaneously, but you may only register once per performance.  You must be present when your name is drawn and present ID and proof of registration. Approximately 30 tickets are available per performance. Visit www.CenterTheatreGroup.org/Lottery for complete rules and additional details and a detailed performance schedule. Available on day of performance only.