The first-ever adapted version of GREEN DAY'S AMERICAN IDIOT intended for performance by high school students is currently in development and will debut on April 14. The pilot production is being presented by Jonathan Dayton High School in Springfield, New Jersey. Check out a sneak peek below!
The two-time Tony Award® winning hit musical is a stage adaption of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees' 2004 multi-platinum Grammy Award® winning rock opera American Idiot and includes several songs from their follow-up release, 21st Century Breakdown. The book was written by Billie Joe Armstrong and director Michael Mayer (SPRING AWAKENING, THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE). The music was composed by Green Day, and the lyrics were written by Armstrong. After a production at the Berkeley Repertory Theatre in 2009, the show moved to New York's legendary St. James Theatre and opened on Broadway in April of 2010. AMERICAN IDIOT launched an international tour in Toronto December 2011, with performances throughout North America and the United Kingdom with special engagements in London, Seoul and Tokyo.
The story centers on three disaffected young men; Johnny, Will, and Tunny who are struggling to find meaning in a post-9/11 world. When the three disgruntled men flee the constraints of their hometown for the thrills of city life, their paths are quickly estranged when Tunny enters the armed forces, Will is called back home to attend familial responsibilities, and Johnny's attention becomes divided by a seductive love interest and a hazardous new friendship.
Several top Broadway professionals have joined in developing the pilot. In addition to Mayer who adapted the script, Alison Morooney, dance captain for the national tour worked with the students to teach them the techniques of the show's Broadway choreographer Steven Hoggett. Masque Sound, with the help of Broadway sound designer Keith Caggiano is helping the school with professional sound advice and equipment. TV news producer Ron Ralston is working with students in the school's A/V department on a 3 camera taping of the show highlights of which will be available via www.greenday.com Additionally, two students in the show are creating a 'behind the scenes' documentary. For a clip from the documentary visit https://youtu.be/Vm7mFC5CpUA.
The pilot production will be performed April 14-17 at the Jonathan Dayton High School in Springfield, New Jersey. For additional information and tickets contact tickets@springfieldschools.com.
The show is licensed exclusively by Music Theatre International (MTI). For more information about MTI and licensing, please call (212) 541-4684 or email licensing@mtishows.com
Videos