Aren't We All Just American Idiots?

[Lilly Thomey]

Lilly Thomey

American Idiot

Not knowing a lot about Green Day and this play that they surprisingly produced so well, American Idiot, I want to say that I was pleasantly surprised. I attended this mind blower on February 21, at the Orpheum Theatre, in downtown Minneapolis. Basically, this musical was telling the story of three party guys that went to find themselves in the city. One stayed behind because his girlfriend announced to him she was pregnant. And while the other two seemed to have better chances by going to the city, it turned out that one went into the army and was injured and then the other became addicted to drugs.

When the show began I was shocked to find such great singers because Green Day's style isn't necessarily perfection and that's what I felt the three main male leads were. Specifically, Van Hughes who played the role of the drug addict, Johnny, was one who could sing superbly, while dancing intense choreography and showing intense emotions for his role. And, I would like to add, that he was easy on the eyes, if you know what I mean. Another great musical factor of the musical was how the band was right there in the stage. If you can imagine this, I was like the drummer was in the center and the drummer, as well as, the keyboardist were in the wings. I personally loved it because I felt that it gave a higher quality sound to the rock songs. Also, the dancing looked quite difficult and I pay my respects to those dancers for nailing it perfectly. 

The look of the show was quite industrial. They kept the same set the whole time but used various, mobile set pieces to convey different times and places. I really enjoyed this one scene where they took a metal staircase flipped it down and made it seem like a bus. They were also rolling a video on the walls that was suppose to represent the open road around the bus. I felt that throughout the show there were so many technical elements used. At one point, like I mentioned before, there was the video playing behind the bus and they even used cables attached to the actors, to give them appearance of flying away. All the technical elements worked really well with the actors and I could see that this was because the actors really worked hard to master the techniques needed for these unique elements. Also the whole play was backed by great technical professionals. 

Now I personally loved the intensity and at times inappropriate nature of the musical but for those of you out there who find sexual moments, drugs, and a lot of drinking uncomfortable I would not attend this play. Even though I think that you will only find a few musicals in such a high level of greatness, there are times when such inappropriate scenes out weigh the good. I also would reconsider bringing young children because of the type of language that is used. 

Overall this musical was fantastic. Not only did it move me with its realistic themes or give me the longing to learn every Green Day song so I could sing along, but it made me want to see it again and again. I would recommend this play to anyone and with flying colors. But, like I said before, if you are a conservative Minnesotan or a younger person then maybe reconsider this musical because of its intense scenes and language. 

[Dudley Voigt]

Great first review Lilly!  Your chose a casual, almost conversational tone, which is fine, but don't let that water down the strength of your position.  Particularly strong are your first few sentences about the look of the show in your 3rd paragraph.  The language there is really clear, the descriptions detailed and your opinion well-supported.  Try bringing that same clarity and structure to your whole review next time.