It’s been twenty years this September 2024 since Green Day’s American Idiot album, dubbed a “punk rock opera” by their own band members was released. The title song written by Billie Joe Armstrong, captures the protest against conformity. The essence of this theme explodes onto stage with the title song, fuelled by PACA Production’s energetic ensemble in a blast of dance, music and singing. It was overwhelming in an all encompassing way with the cast dressed in black, their dancing sharp, displaying an even sharper rebellious attitude onstage. We were swept into the narrative of angst and individuality!
American Idiot the musical incorporates all the songs from the album plus a few from their next album which weaves a story of three friends Johnny, Will and Tunny. Wanting to break the monotony of suburbia, Johnny and Tunny leave their town searching for adventures, whilst Will receives some news which forces him into the decision to stay.
Johnny begins his trip full of dreams. He was portrayed by Isaac Koorey, who played his character with a vulnerable innocence that reached out to the audience. Along the way, he meets and falls in love with Whatsername, portrayed by Izzy Tilden. Izzy stepped into Whatsername with ease and her character’s strength and confidence radiated onstage. Of course, the path of True Love in a story is never easy, and we find out their fate at the end, during a song aptly titled “Whatsername”.
Johnny encounters Theo, a dealer of the white stuff in small packets, who distributes the packets to the hungry crowd by initially tossing them around like confetti. River Winn played Theo (and Johnny’s dark shadow) and had effortless magnetism, portraying Theo with wicked relish.
Tunny, played by Nathanial Lawson follows his dreams and finds his way into the U.S. Army, only to find his dreams of serving his country derailed by an incident. Tunny falls deep into disillusionment and the audience falls with him, thanks to Nathanial’s portrayal. One scene a duet with Extraordinary Girl, played by Jane Fleming, was heartfelt, and Jane’s vocals were heavenly!
The third friend whose life we follow in the story was Will, played by Cameron Mayhew. Cameron painted an ‘on the couch’ picture, with Will being enslaved to alcohol and drug addiction. His journey was quieter than the other two, but Cameron’s portrayal allowed us to see Will for most of the performance on the couch, having lost his girlfriend Heather (Rachel Bendeich) and family, and unable to do anything about it. It was a very clever decision to have Will on the stage most times, even during the intermission where we could bear witness to Will’s drinking, smoking and TV watching… all the whilst intermittently seeing his self loathing. It was a powerful statement.
The quieter acoustic solo songs sung by Isaac as Johnny, as he played the guitar were beautiful. One standout scene featuring Johnny, Tunny and Will impressed me. The three characters played the song ‘September Ends’ and the audience also appreciated the trio’s acoustic version, accompanied by them strumming the guitar.
Being a musical and having the band onstage added to the energy of this live performance. The dancing by every cast member was dynamic and creative. Co-choreographers Janina Hamerlok and Daniella Giles have created seamless and fun storytelling with this production’s dance choreography. I liked the scenes when the whole 18 person ensemble was onstage dancing together. On a larger stage, this perhaps may not have stood out as well as it did on the smaller one at The Zenith Theatre. The dances were performed tightly in sync.
Another standout of this production was the set by Rodrigo Medina Noel, William Pulley and Victor Mrowka, which had beams crisscrossing across the back which at times cast beautiful patterns on the floor. Posters covered the back wall, and multiple televisions were positioned amongst the beams. The visuals playing on the televisions at the beginning were eye catching and original. A shout out to the head of tech, sound designer and audio engineer Peter Miller for this and the sound throughout the American Idiot musical.
The lighting design by Victor Mrowka and Blake Williams continuously stood out to create mood and focus. Erica Williams, the costume manager coordinated multiple costume changes which kept the characters fresh and realistic.
Under the direction and musical direction of Rodrigo Medina Noel and William Pulley, Green Day’s American Idiot production was sensational! They have taken the characters and woven them into a dynamic production to tell a story of human dreams, traps and self reflection.
American Idiot received a standing ovation on their opening night! With songs such as Boulevard of Broken Dreams, 21 Guns, Wake Me Up When and Good Riddance, you’ll be leaving the theatre with a smile, singing at least one of Green Day songs all the way home!
Green Day’s American Idiot is playing at Zenith Theatre & Convention Centre Cnr Railway & McIntosh Streets, Chatswood NSW 2067
27 September 2024 – 12 October 2024.
2 hours with 20 minute interval.
Tickets: $52 – $62.
https://www.zeniththeatre.com.au/Whats-on/Events/Paca-American-Idiot
Photographer: Grant Leslie
This review also appears on It’s On The House. Check out more reviews at Whats The Show to see what else is on in your town.
