When I first saw American Idiot on Broadway at The Saint James Theater, I have to admit I left wondering what all the fuss was about. It was loud, hard to understand what people were saying, and the gelling together of the songs from Green Day's hugely successful album just didn't work for me. I had vowed to give it a second chance at some point after listening to some of the music more closely (at the time of first viewing I'm sorry to say the "score" was new to me). I have continually put off fulfilling this promise, however seeing the fantastic notices that Green Day front man Billy Joe Armstrong received for his portrayal of secondary, but pivotal character Saint Jimmy, I finally decided to give it another go.
The opening number was, and always has been, electrifying. The staging coupled with the pulsing rock music fills the stage with a palpable angst, and the anticipation that you are in for a wild ride. After the opening number I was prepared for the same steady decline and disappointment that I had felt the first time, however, something was different this time. I could understand the lyrics.
Being familiar, or even semi-familiar with the lyrics made all the difference in the world. The music to this show is absolutely wonderful. These are not show tunes, nor are they rock songs made to sound like show tunes. This is Rock N' Roll on Broadway.
The show is staged smartly by Michael Mayer, and Choreographed brilliantly by Steven Hoggett. The set and lighting inform and enhance the story as well as provide stunning visuals. Performances from Stark Sands, John Gallager Jr, and Michael Esper drive the show.
And of course, the big question, can Billy Joe Armstrong act? I'm still not sure, but he is most definitely a theatrical force to be reckoned with. From the moments before he takes the stage the audience is bubbling over with excitement for his imminent arrival. His energy and ferocity is tangible, and bring a new and different type of swagger to the character.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my second trip to American Idiot, enough to say that I'll be looking forward to a third trip to the Saint James before the show closes. My advice for those who have not yet seen the show is know the music before you go, and sit as close as you can. Being able to see and hear makes all the difference.
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