AMERICAN IDIOT …in Hollywood

This is a lively punk-rock opera that springs noisily to life from the second it starts, as three young pals in an American suburb decide to escape to a new life in the big city. How each one fares is the storyline and it ranges from delirious to desolate as they come up against harsh reality. Will is forced to tear up his ticket to freedom because he has knocked up his girlfriend; Tunny is caught up in the excitement of a far off war until his dreams and his legs are shattered; Johnny boldly goes for the excitement of sex, drugs and rock n roll until even he realizes it’s a dead end street. Based on the 2004 hit album by Green Day (Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt and Tre Cool) the show is as pertinent today as when it first exploded onto the scene, as it pictures the disillusion and rage of a generation.

 

Outstanding among the excellent cast are Jess Ford as Johnny and Andrew Diego as his drugged-out doppelganger St. Jimmy. Chris Kerrigan is Tunny, Wesley Moran is Will, Jackee Bianchi is pregnant Heather and Renee Cohen is poignant Whatsername. 

Under Marco Gomez’ energetic direction and Angela Todaro’s brilliant choreography the dazzling ensemble dance their hearts out even when in the shadows. Chris Raymond serves as musical director and pianist, with Graham Chapman on bass, Logan Shrewsbury on drums, David Abrams and Andy Moresi on guitars.

A DOMA Theatre production, at The MET Theatre, 1089 N. Oxford Ave., Los Angeles, through July 26. Tickets: (323) 802-4990 or www.domatheatre.com.

Photos by Michael Lamont. 
Also reviewed in the July issue of NOT BORN YESTERDAY.