TO call Green Day’s staged version of their 2004 concert album American Idiot a musical might be a little misleading. It’s more like a couple of hours of a concept album brought to life and its best enjoyed letting it wash over you without asking too many questions.
Newton Faulkner (Johnny) and cast, American Idiot, UK Tour. Photograph: Darren Bell
It tells the story of three friends from American suburbia who are desperate to create a life elsewhere. Tunny and Johnnie take a bus ride to the city but Will is trapped in his hometown by the news that Heather, his girlfriend, is pregnant.
But city life doesn’t provide the solution they are looking for. Tunny (Alexis Gerred) seduced by 1990’s gulf war propaganda signs up for the army, Johnny (Newton Faulkner) discovers his alter ego Jimmy, a punked up quasi-leader (flamboyantly played by Lucas Rush) who lures Jimmy away from any small slice of enlightenment and into heroin. And Will (Steve Rushton) is left, stuck in front of the TV, clutching a can of beer whilst the world passes him by.
From left: Lucas Rush (St Jimmy), Newton Faulkner (Johnny), American Idiot, UK Tour. Photograph: Darren Bell
The performances are universally strong. Newton Faulkner’s singing is faultless. His rangy, skinny physique and trademark dreadlocks lend the show an authentic 1990’s grunge feel. Amelia Lily, from X-Factor fame is both tough and vulnerable as Johnny’s sometime girl friend, Whatshername.
From left: Alice Stokoe (Extraordinary Girl), Amelia Lily (Whatsername), Newton Faulkner (Johnny),
American Idiot, UK Tour. Photograph: Darren Bell (2031)
Throughout, the singing is powerful and effective, with some punchy ensemble numbers, notably one scene in a seven eleven. Racky Plews’ choreography is fresh and humorous.
American Idiot The Musical, UK Tour. Lucas Rush (St. Jimmy). Photograph: Darren Bell
But whilst the album has a clear message, the disaffection at the politics of post gulf war America and a distinct lack of meaning for America’s youth, (boulevard of broken dreams) it doesn’t offer an alternative view.
At times underwritten with no dialogue (putting aside Johnnie’s frequent reflections that “oops, I’ve forgotten to shower again”) you can’t argue with the sheer energy on stage, which feels genuinely raw, intense and real.
This may not be the time of your life but it’s certainly worth a look.
Gabriella Crewe-Read
American Idiot the Musical is on until September 25, 2016 at The Arts Theatre, 6-7 Great Newport Street, London, WC2H 7JB
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.