“American Idiot” Pollard’s Brash Musical Blast
Elizabeth Hurd Published: June 21st, 2016
The Pollard Theatre is presenting the punk rock opera “American Idiot” through July 2nd in Guthrie, Oklahoma. In the generation coming of age in the early 1990’s Green Day became a very successful punk rock band. Punk rock is a somewhat ‘in-your-face’ expression of social anarchy embracing chaos over order. After living the ups and downs typical of most musical groups, Green Day released the album titled ‘American Idiot’ as a semi-autobiographical expression of their own coming of age. In 2009 the musical, “American Idiot” appeared, officially opening April 20, 2010. The book is by Billie Joe Armstrong, Green Day vocalist/guitarist and Michael Mayer. Lyrics are by Billie Joe Armstrong and the Music is by Green Day. “American Idiot” includes the music from the album ‘American Idiot’ as well as additional material by Green Day. In 2011 the Broadway cast earned a Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album. The story is about three young men, Will, Tunny and Johnny and their personal experiences as American ‘idiots’ growing up. W. Jerome Stevenson directs “American Idiot” at the Pollard, bringing his entire musical and directing instincts to fruition.
As a
musical “American Idiot” has even less dialogue than most musicals do relying exclusively on the lyrics to tell the story. While the music is excellent in this production at the Pollard Theatre, the show lacks some of the acoustical mid-range levels one hears in most live performances. This may be a deliberate artistic choice, as “American Idiot” is a rock opera rather than a rock concert. Still, audience members feel the urge to stand up and dance as they would at a concert, as the music and vocals are excellent. The show ends powerfully, joined with the audience in universality. Jared Blount is outstanding as Johnny with a powerful and exceedingly energetic presentation that seems magical in movement and range. Larz Justice is also wonderful as Will, exhibiting profound dejection over his forced responsibilities through movement and attitude that carries throughout the show. Ian Cummings is Tunny and although he is nearly upstaged by his startling red t-shirt he creates a poignant admirable soldier and veteran. Matthew Alvin Brown is brilliant as the degenerate St. Jimmy giving an interesting and somewhat desperately despicable character a very real persona as Johnny imagines him. Emily Pace is the pretty Heather, Will’s girlfriend. Her portrayal is of a very realistic young single mom who needs an active father in Will, yet she reserves the option of being fickle. Ellie Valdez is Whatshername, Johnny’s unrequited love. Her voice soars as she loves him, yet she must abandon him to drugs. Jennifer Teel is truly beautiful as The Extraordinary Girl who nurses a soldier, is loyal to him and ultimately loves him.
In addition to the great performances of the primary cast members, the Ensemble cast backs them up with precisely timed and tuned dancing and singing. Hui Cha Poos and Brandi Kelly create lovely and athletic choreography that all the actors present very well. Musical Director Todd S. Malicoate leads a talented band in the Green Day tradition despite the muted mid-range sounds and a few touchy microphones. The Set Design is exciting and creates an aura of frenetic energy which the cast easily absorbs and communicates.
For information about tickets and curtain times visit www.thepollard.org or call 405-282-2800. “American Idiot” runs through July 2nd, 2016 at the Pollard located at 120 W. Harrison Avenue in downtown Guthrie, Oklahoma.