AMERICAN IDIOT

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Praise for New Line’s 2016 Production

“Really loud, really raw, really worth it.”
– Judith Newmark, St. Louis Post-Dispatch

“Some insanely entertaining and thought-provoking
musical theater is happening at New Line Theatre.”
– Donald Miller, Alton Telegraph

“This is a real hit, that genuinely rocks the house!”
– Chris Gibson, BroadwayWorld

“A close, sweaty show that feels alive at all times.”
– Paul Friswold, Riverfront Times

“So many moments of outstanding vocal artistry
come roaring out at us in the dark.”
– Richard Green, TalkinBroadway

“A sensory onslaught that flashes with brilliance. . .
A nihilistic-tinged roller-coaster ride that entertains at every turn.”
– Tina Farmer, KDHX

“New Line Theatre’s art provocateurs shake the rafters
in this explosive regional premiere.”
– Lynn Venhaus, Belleville News-Democrat

Don’t wanna be an American idiot?

New Line opens its 33rd season with the powerful, high-octane, rock fable AMERICAN IDIOT, based on the powerhouse album by Green Day, a scorching attack on the hypocrisy and moral evils of American politics, and as the increasingly submissive nature of the American public. It’s a show that has become even more relevant today than when it was written.

The brilliant, insightful, iconic score includes every song from Green Day’s hit album American Idiot, as well as several songs from their follow-up release, 21st Century Breakdown, with music by Green Day, lyrics by frontman Billie Joe Armstrong, a book by Armstrong and Michael Mayer, and musical arrangements and orchestrations by Broadway composer Tom Kitt. The Toronto Star called the show “the first great musical of the 21st century.”

Lost and disconnected in a post-9/11 America, three friends, Johnny, Tunny and Will, struggle to find meaning in their lives. The three men flee the constraints of their hometown for the thrills of city life, but their paths quickly diverge as Tunny enters the armed forces, Will is called back home to attend to a pregnant girlfriend, and Johnny descends into an urban underworld, following a seductive love interest and a deadly new friendship. As each of the three learns to navigate his “alienation,” we see in them America’s struggle to find a new path in this new millennium, after a long period of darkness.

Of the original album, Spin magazine said, “A decade and a half after the first Green Day record, the boys from Berkeley grew up and got angry. So what did they do? Recorded a Bush-bashing rock opera featuring nine-minute songs — and ended up with their biggest smash in years.” Charles Isherwood of The New York Times declared the stage musical “invigorating, thrilling, emotionally charged, and as moving as any Broadway musical I’ve seen this year!” Rolling Stone said of the musical, “American Idiot knows no limits — it’s a global knockout. Blows your mind while it blows the roof off. Looking for a groundbreaking musical event? You just found it.”

The New Line production will be directed by Chris Moore and Scott Miller, with music direction by Randon Lane, scenic design by Rob Lippert, lighting design by Matt Stuckel, and sound design by Ryan Day.

New Line last produced American Idiot in 2016. American Idiot is produced by arrangement with Music Theatre International, New York.