American Idiot

Musical

Writers: Billie Joe Armstrong Michael Mayer Green Day

Overview

Show Information

Music
Category
Musical
Number of Acts
1
First Produced
2009
Genres
Dark Comedy, Jukebox/Revue
Settings
Multiple Settings
Time & Place
present, suburbia and the city
Cast Size
medium
Orchestra Size
Rock Combo
Dancing
Some Dance
Ideal for
College/University, Community Theatre, Diverse Cast, Mature Audiences, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre
Casting Notes
Mostly male cast
Includes young adult characters

Synopsis

Bold, brash, and fun, American Idiot takes Green Day’s chart-topping 2005 punk rock album and brings it vibrantly to life. American Idiot follows a young anti-hero, Johnny, the self-proclaimed “Jesus of Suburbia”, and his two buddies, Will and Tunny, as they attempt to break out of their mind-numbing, aimless suburban existence. After escaping to the city, Johnny finds himself embroiled in a passionate affair with a stunning and unpredictable young woman, and an even more passionate affair with hard drugs.Tunny finds a sense of purpose by enlisting in the Army, but is wounded in the line of duty, both physically and emotionally. Meanwhile, Will, who decided to remain in the suburbs with his newly pregnant girlfriend, becomes moored to his couch, hopeless and stuck. Each of the men struggles to find the balance between rage and love -- a conflict that defines their generation. With Green Day’s heart-pounding, visceral songs and a young cast who rage against the machine of society with heart and spunk, American Idiot is a knockout guaranteed to bring the house down.

Lead Characters


American Idiot guide sections