A Great Idiot

Last night, I went to see the U.S. touring production of American Idiot, the musical based on the Green Day album of the same name. This rock opera takes the songs of that album (in order), interjects another half dozen Green Day songs, and layers a story on top to create a high energy, one-act show.

Though American Idiot is, as you'd expect, a loud and pounding show, it actually has a fair amount in common with a silent movie. There's very little dialogue added between the songs to explain the narrative. And the songs themselves... well if you've heard the original album, then you know that there isn't quite a story there either. But the musical actually does have a coherent story (with three major characters featured in parallel plots), and you can follow it quite clearly. And that's the silent movie aspect. American Idiot is almost a pantomime, and Green Day just happens to be the soundtrack chosen as the "back drop" for it.

That said, while the lyrics of the songs largely don't describe the plot, they certainly are a tonal and emotional match for it. And what's more, they rock. I've liked the original album (and the band) for a while now, but having the music retooled for a stage and a chorus really does add to them. Harmonies that are somewhat subtle in Green Day's original recording leap front and center -- and more are layered on top. The core "rock trio" sound is doubled by three more musicians (another guitar, a keyboard, and a cello), all of whom are in full view on stage for the entire performance, the cast weaving around them in a dizzying, frenetic choreography.

Not taking away anything from Green Day, but nearly all of the songs actually sound better this way, as though they were written for the stage in the first place. And they weave a sastifyingly broad tapestry. Some retain the amped-up punk rock rage you'd expect, while others turn quite soft and tender. The result is both concert and musical, and works well on both levels.

The set dips a toe in both waters too. It's an open space with a somewhat industrial look, as has been featured in shows like Rent or Stomp. But it's also lined with TV screens used extensively for background projections, much like a typical concert. Another effective combination.

The current headliner of the touring cast is Van Hughes in the role of Johnny, and he really is a really strong performer. While there really are no weak links in the cast, his voice is flexible enough both for punk anthems and slow ballads, and the emotions behind what he's singing always come through loud and clear.

American Idiot's stop here in Denver is for this weekend only, which is probably bad news for any of my local readers who would want to try and see it. But it's probably good news for my readers in other places; the show is right back out on the road and heading to other cities -- perhaps near you. If you're at all a fan of Green Day, or of rock musicals, this is one you should definitely get out and see.