American Idiot - The Alexandra

Selladoor Productions presents Green Day's high-energy rock musical, American Idiot. Debuting on Broadway in 2010, the national tour celebrates 15 years since the influential album. 

Using a television screen showing news clips we learn of the post 9/11 backdrop for the disenchanted generation. Johnny (played by Tom Milner) takes the lead and hopes to chase after a better life with his friends Tunny (Joshua Dowen) and Will (Samuel Pope). Will's girlfriend Heather (Siobhan O`Discoll) soon becomes pregnant though and Will decides to stay in suburbia with her. Johnny and Tunny still set off to follow their dreams, but all bonds of friendship are broken when Tunny decides to sign up for the American army. Johnny also has his own battles as he fights his demons that tempt him into a life of drugs. Bad influence St Jimmy (Luke Friend) gives a strong performance as he convincingly keeps pushing Johnny back into temptation time and time again. 

Blasts of the album’s title track American Idiot opens the show and sets the energetic pace, which is balanced out with some slower more poignant moments. With a live band on stage, overlooking the action, there's an infectious gig meets musical feel.

Highlights include their performances of Holiday and Wake Me Up When September Ends. The acoustic songs held the audience’s attention well and there were some strong harmonies between the singers.

Siobhan O`Discoll really shone with her vocals as did Sam Lavery as Whatsername. Most of the audience were up on their feet as Basketcase filled the auditorium.

There was a great chemistry between this cast of strong performers, with a fantastic set and costumes all helping to evoke the era. A nice touch was to see Alexandra staff dressing for the occasion too!

The show is a real delight for any Green Day fan.

American Idiot is showing at The Alexandra until Saturday 13 April