When I think of Green Day’s “American Idiot”, the thought of the weak-minded and complacent falling blindly in line with the agenda of media conglomerates comes to mind. America’s direction guided by suggestive ad campaigns, TV and film brainwashing and so forth – thus, the “American Idiot”. Of course if you look even deeper you’ll see that media is greatly controlled by corporations, which is largely influences the government, so in fact Green Day’s album “American Idiot” suggests the average American is literally a sculpted product of the corporate world while the illusion of choices and freedoms helps in creating a false individualism.
Though I expected the production of “American Idiot” to even enhance the album’s overall theme a little more directly, it still made its point well. It is the story of three misguided youths that have been saturated by TV – which was entertaining in itself, but becomes more politically challenging as it progresses. In short, three fed up friends take separate paths, all of which seem exciting at times, only to reunite learned individuals at the end after their paths are collectively met with a longer for better lives on their own terms – not the preplanned lives subliminally, and not so subliminally, suggested by the great media machine.
Van Hughes stars as “Johnny”, whom the story revolves around, and while exuding a tremendous amount of energy, he also displays a singing voice that can at times rival Billie Joe Armstrong’s. “Johnny’s” alter ego “St. Jimmy” soon takes over as the product of his rebellious side, making Hughes’ character complex and quite diverse. “Johnny’s” friends “Will” and “Tunny” are well played by Jake Epstein and Scott J. Campbell, as both roles require lead vocals and an abundance of projecting vigor. Gabrielle McClinton is perfectly cast as “Whatshername”, Johnny’s girlfriend who joins him in his journey of sex and drugs until she walks away after realizing their relationship is mutually damaging.
Though quasi-suburban/urban set stands before a wall of TV monitors flashing with sorted media clips. Though not overly original it seemed a good fit to the choreographed dance numbers, which should really be described as sporadic and quirky youthful energized movement than dancing – but in a good way.
What made the show even more enjoyable was the live band in full view, the library of songs played and the Broadway-ized renditions of those songs. Included in the show were, “Know Your Enemy”, “Boulevard of Broken Dreams”, “Jesus of Suburbia”, “Wake Me Up When September Ends”, “When It’s Time” and “American Idiot”. Musically, the show was nothing short of fantastic. The show also ends on a high note when after taking their bows, the cast reappears on stage, each playing an acoustic guitar for a heartfelt rendition of “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)”.
“American Idiot” has won two Tony Awards, and certainly has the energy, music and youth to make for an entertaining production. Playing through February 19th at The Bank of America Theatre (24 W. Randolph St.), this is a show that will be sure to please, Green Day fan or not. Tickets are $27-$95 at 800-775-2000 or www.BroadwayinChicago.com.
