It's official, Toronto has gone Idiot-crazy! American Idiot, the smash-hit Broadway musical based on the Green Day album of the same name, launched its much-anticipated North American tour in Toronto last night. Starring Original Broadway Cast member Van Hughes as Johnny, and Canadians Jake Epstein and Scott J Campbell as Will and Tunny, the show literally blew the roof of The Toronto Centre for the Arts.
Many of the show's star studded creative team came to Toronto to celebrate the launch of the tour, including Director Michael Mayer, Music Supervisor Tom Kitt and Producer Tom Hulce. Lead producer Ira Pittelman was also on hand, as were Andrea Lauer, Brian Ronan, Darrel Maloney and Lorin Latarro. Sponsored by Toronto's 102.1 The Edge, there were many familiar Canadian music and theatre celebrities in the crowd to celebrate the show as well.
The show is an explosive, in your face, shockingly thought provoking piece of musical theatre that boasts a top-notch cast, gorgeous set and visuals that will blow your mind. The show uses music from Green Day's American Idiot and 21st Century Breakdown (expertly arranged by Tom Kitt) to tell the story of three boys in Suburbia USA who each go on a unique and personal journey of self discovery that unfolds in a surprising and visceral manner with each song. All three dream of getting out of their small town and moving onto bigger and better things, and find themselves going in very different directions. At the center of the story is Johnny (played by Van Hughes) who ventures to a big city where he finds romance and drugs (the latter of which manifests itself in the character of St. Jimmy, played by Joshua Kobak). Tunny (Scott J Campbell) joins the army and goes off to war while Will (Jake Epstein) sells his bus ticket to help support his pregnant girlfriend Heather (Leslie McDonel).
The most inventive and powerful thing about American Idiot is the way the show uses the music to tell the story. There is virtually no dialogue (save for a few musings from Johnny) and therefore the lyrics, choreography, costumes and set design have to tell the story. This is where American Idiot shines and sets itself apart from so many other "rock-musicals" that have come before it. Each new song brings powerful and deliberate directorial choices that propel the story forward, until the audience finally reaches that moment where they understand exactly what the show is trying to say. This is accomplished through powerful imagery that takes its time before fully revealing its intentions. The result is a "Eureka" moment for the audience, when you suddenly realize that American Idiot is more than just a "rock musical". It is a thought-provoking testament to the state of society in the 21st Century, and the youths who have inherited a world which is broken in many ways.
American Idiot plays The Toronto Centre for the Arts until January 15th when it departs to begin touring American cities. Tickets are going fast, so get yours soon to make sure you don't miss out on this incredible experience.
When and Where?
Dancap presents Green Day's American Idiot
December 28th-January 15th 2012
The Toronto Centre for the Arts
Tickets can be purchased in person at the box office, by phone at (416) 644-3665 or online at www.dancaptickets.com
For more information on American Idiot, please visit the official website at www.americanidiotthemusical.com
All Photos by Racheal McCaig Photography
