Green Day’s American Idiot

Music by Green Day
Lyrics by Billie Joe Armstrong
Book by Billie Joe Armstrong & Michael Mayer
Directed by James Michael McHale
Choreographed by Miguel Cardenas
Music Direction by Gabrielle Maldonado

EXTENDED BY POPULAR DEMAND!

The two-time Tony Award-winning hit musical Green Day’s American Idiot, based on the Grammy Award-winning multi-platinum album, boldly takes the American musical where it’s never gone before. This high-octane show follows the journey of a new generation of young Americans as they struggle to find meaning in a post-9/11 world. This powerhouse musical includes every song from Green Day’s album, American Idiot, as well as several songs from its follow-up release, 21st Century Breakdown.

NOTE: This show contains mature content and strong language. Recommended for mature audiences.

WINNER of 6 OCTG Theatre AwardsOutstanding Direction of a Musical (James Michael McHale), Outstanding Choreography (Miguel Cardenas), Outstanding Ensemble (Jared Machado, Eric Dobson, Christopher Diem, Erika Mireya Cruz, Angie Chavez, Dagmar Marshall-Michelson, Kristin O’Connell, Jack Aitken, Sophia Barajas, Wyatt Hatfield), Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Musical (Dagmar Marshall-Michelson), Outstanding Sound Design (Hunter Moody), and Outstanding Projection Design (Nick Santiago)

Nominated for 9 OCTG Theatre AwardsOutstanding Production of a Musical, Outstanding Music Direction (Gabrielle Maldonado), Outstanding Leading Performance in a Musical (Christopher Diem), Outstanding Leading Performance in a Musical (Eric Dobson), Outstanding Leading Performance in a Musical (Jared Machado), Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Musical (Sophia Barajas), Outstanding Scenic Design (Kristin Campbell), Outstanding Costume Design (Bradley Allen Lock), and Outstanding Lighting Design (Andrea Heilman)

WINNER of Stage Raw “I’m Still Here” Award
Video/Projection Design (Nick Santiago)

“the ensemble numbers profit from well-organized leaping about as no clenched fist is ever un-thrust, no middle finger left un-flipped.” Orange County Register

“Director James Michael McHale stages his American Idiot as if its three antiheroes’ lives were being performed inside a punk rock club by ten of its angriest, angstiest denizens”
StageSceneLA

“Keeping the action on boil, Miguel Cardenas’s high energy choreographer is well-done by raucous, committed performers.”
Stage and Cinema

“A high-energy show from start to finish… [Jared] Machado channeled the sound of Green Day’s lead singer, Billie Joe Armstrong… Machado’s physical performance in the throes of addiction and later when the character goes through withdrawal was especially memorable.”Orange Curtain Review

“From the moment the show opened on this panorama of baleful youngsters in its regional premiere at the venerable Chance Theater in Anaheim Saturday night, these kids made themselves heard, serving straight up each sneering lyric and snarling riff of Green Day’s gritty and dynamic sonic palette, with enough instrumental viciousness to shatter a punchbowl.”
The Show Report

Executive Producers
Rachelle Menaker & Eddie Schuller

Associate Producer Linda Maggard

Season Producers
Bette & Wylie Aitken

Associate Season Producer The Family of Mary Kay Fyda-Mar

OFFICIAL TRAILER


IN REHEARSAL


 

Articles & Reviews

Read More on the Blog

Audience Buzz

    1. AWESOME SHOW! I was super impressed with the quality of the performances. The song’s were fabulous and the range of voices were exceptional. I would also like to add that the choreography was fluid and energizing. As I was impressed with all ten of the talented performances, the actor’s that played the three leads, Johnny (Jared Machado), Tunny (Eric Dobson) and Will (Christopher Diem) deserve an extra applause. So many elements in ” american IDIOT ” stand out for me. In particular the depth of the play and the messaging it relayed through the actor’s delivery in dance, song and dialogue. Lot’s of favorite parts but a lasting favorite for me was when Jared (Johnny Machado) sang the song WHATSERNAME. This was the first time for me at the Chase Theatre (loved it). So glad to see the quality of Theatre in North Orange County. A wonderful entertaining show. Congratulations to all who worked to put it together.

      — Liz Pritchett
    2. Hi,
      Enjoyed the American Idiot preview on SUN eve, really pleased you choose to stage this, it’s a bit of a brave choice in my opinion. I have tix to come back in a couple weekends as well.
      Always want to support the CHANCE, appreciated several elements of the talent & passion on stage.
      I did have a significant issue with the sound production. It seemed to vary performer to performer, and throughout the eve. In addition to inconsistency, it was simply too quiet. Could barely hear the band.
      I know I probably like it louder than most, but in a production like this, I want to feel the energy, not have to lean in to hear. I know if the band is louder then the talent would have to be as well. Bottom line, sound production has never been an issue for me at the CHANCE, and maybe this is what the preview is designed to flesh out, but in general for this production please … TURN IT UP!
      Regards, Russ

      — Russ Allison
      • Thank you so much for your feedback, Russ. You’re absolutely right that previews are designed exactly for completing work on the show (which is never done until you perform it in front of an audience). We assure you that several things are still being worked out, including the sound mix. We look forward to seeing you back here in a couple of weeks!

        — Casey Long

Venue Bette Aitken theater arts Center

Bette Aitken theater arts Center
5522 E. La Palma Ave.
Anaheim, CA  92807
More Information Get Directions
Venue Amenities
  • Full-Service Bar
  • Free Parking
  • Conveniently Located

See the show? Share your experience with us...

Don't worry, we'll keep this private.
Was there a moment that stood out? Did something surprise you? Positive or constructive, your comments are always appreciated.