American Idiot

“I jacked off to oblivion last night…,”

                                                     Johnny  

 If you’re not a fan of the punk rock band Green Day, you certainly will be after seeing this show. American Idiot is also the title of the band’s 2004 album. A trio of young men, are in search of a better life than their current dull life in suburbia. Such a tough existence, right? The guys Johnny (Jared Nepute), Will (Casey O’Farrell) and Tunny (Dan Tracy) decide to leave Jingletown, USA and try out their musical aspirations in the big city. Everything is ready to go until Will’s girlfriend Heather (Mariah MacFarlane) gets pregnant and he stays behind.

The remaining two trek to their destination where, they have different experiences. Johnny hooks up with the attractive Whatsername (Olivia Puckett).  She becomes his downfall, by enticing him with her shapely body, seductive dance moves and a shared love of heroine. Tunny becomes quickly disillusioned with the city life, joins the military, and is quickly deployed. Meanwhile, Will lies down on his couch drinking, smoking, and not being supportive to a pregnant Heather.

The men share a huge industrial-looking warehouse with a great view of the city. The highly spirited single “American Idiot”kicks off with an energetic company.  The three men contemplate what they will be when they grow up. It’s clear from the start that Johnny wants to be in music. His guitar is usual slung on his body.  Will and Tunny aren’t sure what they should do. It’s hard in the early beginning to understand what’s going on. The convoluted storyline flat lines early but picks up mid-way through the end. By the third song, Holiday, life is pretty grim and hopeless. The guys’ lives are turned upside down with no way of looking up, unless Jesus waves his golden arm for a miracle to happen.

The show consists a little over 15 songs from the Grammy-award winning cd (for both rock album American Idiot and record of the year “Boulevard of Broken Dreams.”) There’s very little dialogue for the almost two-hour show, which is great because the songs tell the story. While the actors and dancers ruled the stage music director and keyboardist Evan Jay Newman, made sure that each note was perfectly executed.  His effortless focus on the songs, timing and music made the show look flawless.

American Idiot plays Thursday, May 15 and Friday May 16 at 8 p.m., Saturday, May 17 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sunday, May 18 at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre, located at 6233 Hollywood Blvd., in Hollywood. For ticket information, call (800) 982-2787 or reserve online at www.HollywoodPantages.com  or www.Ticketmaster.com