Could Green Day's 'American Idiot' Become A Hit 'Dudesical'?
Posted by anastasia on 10-16-2009
I still have Green Day songs playing in my head and have a feeling they won't be leaving any time soon. Last night I saw the Berkeley Rep production of "American Idiot," a musical crafted from the songs of their album with the same title. Or as my friend called it afterward, a "dudesical." The "rock opera" is a collaboration between Green Day and Michael Mayer, the director of "Spring Awakening," and may end up on Broadway.
But let's go back to the "dudesical" reference. When we think of musical theater and its audience, we typically think about women, tween/teen girls, older men, gay men and husbands and boyfriends who get dragged along, with the occasional exceptions who may be have been theater geeks in high school. While I'm not sure young, male Green Day fans would seek out "American Idiot" the musical (and Green Day detractors who feel like the band sold out years ago could argue this is the ultimate sellout), it's definitely a production mom and dad could convince their teenage sons they might enjoy. I could see older male Green Day fans checking it out as well.
The play reminded me of a pop punk version of The Who's "Tommy" (the movie) with moments of "Hair" and even "Across the Universe" updated from the 60s Vietnam-era backdrop to an Iraq/Afghanistan context. There is very little dialogue — the story is mostly told through song after song from "American Idiot" with live musicians and lots of headbanging choreography. Like a lot of Green Day's music, it's loud and full of energy. The three male leads feel like they could be in a Green Day cover band as well — more grunge than "Glee."
I walked out thinking — this could be "Wicked" for tween boys or just a musical/"dudesical" that might attract a big male audience (and girls who like to rock). I hope it does well and can definitely see a film version in the making….Julie Taymor, if you're available…
Categorized under: Movies & Music