I saw the show for the first time on Friday night and then saw it again last night... because I just had to see it again before Billie Joe left. The first night, we had student rush seats in row A of the balcony just off the right center aisle, which were supposedly "limited view," but were actually perfect because all they required was leaning forward a bit. They afforded a perfect view of the entire stage and all the aerial work, really showcasing the excellent choreography and stunning stage pictures. Last night, our student rush seats were partial view at the far end of row L in the orchestra. It was great to see the performances so close up the second time, but we missed some of the aerial stuff and most of the action on the platform.
Still, I've never experienced anything quite like the rush of energy that was coursing through the St. James on those two nights. I wasn't planning on seeing it again yesterday, but the rush of Friday night's performance was so exhilarating that I had to return. The excitement in the theater was so palpable. What a unique experience it was to see a legitimate, world-famous rock star still in the prime of his popularity performing in the show that he created in such an intimate venue. Billie Joe received a standing ovation from the entire audience after "St. Jimmy" that lasted for at least a minute or more. I wish I could properly convey what the experience was really like inside the St. James this week, but it's difficult to find words that do it justice. I'll suffice to say that it easily moves into my top ten theatrical experiences of all-time.
As for the show itself, I think that it is a truly brilliant, if imperfect, work in its ambition and audacity. I'm glad Isherwood really seemed to get the piece because most other critics seemed to misunderstand it. First of all, I think that it is the fulfillment of what Rent set out to do, which was to be the first "rock opera". Where Rent's music ended up being grounded in an unshakable musical theater style, American Idiot is a true rock opera, finding the theatricality in music that, surprisingly lends itself quite naturally to the stage and the interpretation of an actor. Punk rock comes from such a vulnerable, angry place that it's surprisingly actable and effective in a dramatic context (thanks also in large part to the brilliance of Tom Kitt's arrangements and orchestrations). What Armstrong and Mayer have done is to create a true, modern-day beggar's opera. Some critics have slammed it for being light on story and characterization, but I think they've missed the point. The point is, it's about a lost generation, a broad and vast percentage of the American population who aren't particularly bright, talented, or distinguishable; regular folks marginalized and left voiceless by the rise of technology and corporate greed; and it tells this story using the real music that defined this generation. American Idiot is ahead of its time and I think in the future, it's grand ambition will put it alongside the great works that truly represent what it was like to be alive at a specific time and place in history. This is what the future of the art form looks like people. Bravo, to all involved.
"I seem to have wandered into the BRAIN load-out thread... "
-best12bars
"Sorry I am a Theatre major not a English Major"
-skibumb5290