American Idiot 4/10 Review

[wickedpoppinsfan]

Posted: 4/10/10 at 5:59pm

American Idiot-2:00 matinee performance.

Today was my birthday, and I had gotten some cheap tickets last night from telecharge for the matinee show. Overall I must say that this show in my opinion was okay. Honestly I know its like a rock show, and the music is supposed to be loud, which I had no problem with, but I could not hear a thing of what was being said. If they had at least upped up the microphones it would have been a lot more understandable and we could enjoy the music better.

I went in thinking that this show would be a disaster, and I had second thoughts of going in, but the show was better than I expected. The sets were well done (one of my favorite parts of the show), and the band was amazing, and right on point. I am definitely familiar with Green Day, and I enjoy listening to their songs, so I definitely enjoyed the singing when it was audible. I would have enjoyed it much more if there were more speaking parts, and less singing, but its a rock musical so I wasn't surprised that much. It really did take a lot to understand what was going on, and what story they were telling through the singing, which didn't help with the music playing over the voices, but whatever.

John Gallagher Jr- His performance was amazing, and I give him props for the running around he had to do, becuase by the end he looked ready to passout. His singing was spot on, and it sounded like a recording sometimes, which was enjoyable. HIs drugged up acting was spot on. He's definitely a plus for this production.

MIchael Esper- Michael's performance was great, and I enjoyed his singing also. I can't really say much about him, but he was pretty good, and garnered a lot of laughs.

Stark Sands- Stark was the standout for me. I definitely enjoyed his performance. He evolves throughout the show, and I definitely enjoyed his singing and acting. His voice is also beautiful, and makes me want the cast recording even more.

I really don't want to go on and on, but the featured cast such as Mary Faber, Rebecca Naomi Jones, and Tony Vincent were excellent. Rebecca Naomi Jones I thought would have had more scenes , but her singings amazing. The ensemble had a lot of energy, and they were basically a lot of fun to watch on stage.

The show needs a lot of work, and some parts, mainly toward the end I just wanted to leave, but it's okay. THe band had to be one of the best parts of the show, and I am excited for them to come out with a cast recording which I will definitely buy. It was just like a rock concert, and I really wish they could have added in more speaking verses or more narration to explain the show better, but it was fun. SOme parts of it was a disaster, and others were just not needed. My favorite songs from the show: "American Idiot", "Holiday", "When it's time", and "wake me up when september ends". This show is for those who enjoy rock, or some type of rock, and the audience was pretty tamed. I definitely see this show closing by the end of the summer, end of the year at least, and its definitely not going to last a year, but it's enjoyable for those who like Green Day, and rock.

p.s. The song after the curtain call was not needed at all, I heard it on the board about how it didn't fit, and it's true. I think they should have just let the audience go after the curtain fell for the second time.