When the red curtains of the Berkeley Repertory Theatre open, the stage lights shine bright and tunes of Green Day’s “American Idiot” blast through the speakers, the energy from the stage is just electric.  As the actors bop their heads and sing their hearts out, the audience can do nothing else but rave. With sold-out tickets, even on a Wednesday night, it’s no wonder why such an unusual musical has caught national attention.

For the last few years, Green Day has set sparks to the stage.  Starting their careers playing at local clubs in Berkeley during the 1980s, the punk rock trio has since risen to international acclaim.  Consistently releasing hit singles like “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” and “21 Guns,” the band has also won three Grammy Awards and has sold over 22 million albums in the United States alone.

This fall, Green Day has given the world another reason to love their music.
“American Idiot,” a rock opera, is named after and inspired by music derived from the “American Idiot” album. The musical also plays a few songs from the recently released “21st Century Breakdown” album.  Under the direction of Michael Mayer aided by Green Day lead singer and guitarist Billie Joe Armstrong, the storyline of the musical, about growing up and finding oneself, as well as the trials and failures that can come along with it, took unique shape.  With talented actors and a creative production crew, “American Idiot” opened in September and, because of popular demand, extended its showing through Nov. 15, which comes as no surprise. The 90-minute show feels as if one is attending an actual Green Day concert.  Reflecting the band’s punk rock aesthetics, the stage was set up creatively with old newspapers and TV sets plastered on the walls, beat up sofas, and staircases that later transform into a traveling bus.

It sounds crazy, but it all worked.

Live music was played, and musicians performed in the background. Although it’s true that no one can replace Green Day, incredible vocals from actors like John Gallagher Jr. come pretty close to the real thing.  The opera follows Johnny, the protagonist, who reflects the “Jesus of Suburbia” character that was first brought to life in the “American Idiot” album, as well as his two friends, Will and Tunny.  The musical painted what Michael Mayer said in the Berkeley Rep magazine is “a three-fold journey of self-discovery.”  In addition to songs from the past two Green Day albums, “When It’s Time,” an unrecorded song written by Armstrong, also makes its appearance in the musical.

To my surprise, the rock opera isn’t at all cheesy, but it is full of originality. Not only does the musical have a fun and rebellious vibe.  Due to its limited season, “The American Idiot” rock opera is currently not in production. For updates and more information, visit www.berkeleyrep.org.