Green Day's American Idiot Plays Atlanta's Fox Theatre Through Tonight

Well...I am late to the party on posting this review for Green Day's American Idiot.

I guess I just couldn't bring myself to sit down and write it....How do I start?  Let's just say this review will be short and not-so-sweet.

Let's begin with old adage, "Always do your homework before attending any media presentation."  I guess that's where I should have begun prior to May 1st and going to see Green Day's, "American Idiot" at Atlanta's Fox Theatre.

To say I was a bit more than disappointed would be a mere understatement.  ...and I'm guessing I'm not alone, judging by the number of supposed-subscribers walking out of this opening night play.  If you are a fan of Green Day and their pop music, which the three women in front of us obviously were, I'm sure you'd appreciate the play.

As a casual radio listener and only knowing their top hits, I did not. This play is typical left-wing satire, philosophy, and campaigning.  Pictures of George Bush taking a bite out of the Statue of Liberty, a "script" laden with the "f" word, sexual scenes, and rampant drug use.  Yes, it tells a "story," and yes - some might even call this rock opera brilliant (it has been nominated for a Tony award), but for someone like me - middle-aged, middle-class, and right-wing conservative, I found it hugely unentertaining and offensive.

It is what it is.  If you like pop music, rock operas, and Green Day - you will probably understand and accept and maybe even enjoy this performance, but as for me and the many people walking out throughout the performance - I did not.

Sad to say that even when the curtain fell and rose again to an all-acoustic performance by the Cast - droves of people were leaving and already in the lobby heading out to Peachtree Street and their cars.

I wish I could promote this play and tell you to run down to the Fox Theatre tonight to see it before it leaves town, but sadly, I cannot.  No amount of money is worth sitting through two hours of left-wing political statements, constant use of the "f" word, and teenagers having sex and using drugs.  Yes, I am well aware that this is part of the world we live in, but I would definitely choose to spend my time elsewhere supporting the arts in a more positive manner.

Here is a brief clip of the acoustic encore, by far - the most enjoyable part of the show.  I wish it could have all been like this, as it shows just how talented this Cast truly is:

*DLDS was given media tickets in exchange for pre-promotion and post-review of this play.  All opinions are strictly our own and not representative of anyone else or others involved.

Green Day's american IDIOT Opens Tomorrow in ATL!

The national tour of the explosive Broadway hit AMERICAN IDIOT, called “wonderfully raucous” and “emotionally charged” by The New York Times and “flat-out electrifying” by the Boston Globe will play in Atlanta May 1-4.

Ticket prices start at $30 and will be available at the Fox Theatre box office (660 Peachtree Street, NE), by visiting broadwayinatlanta.com, or by calling 1-855-285-8499.  Group orders of 10 or more may be placed by calling 404-881-2000.

Performances of AMERICAN IDIOT are as follows:

            Thursday           7:30 p.m.

            Friday               8:00 p.m.

            Saturday           2:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m.

            Sunday              1:00 p.m., 6:30 p.m.

AMERICAN IDIOT, a 2010 Tony Award^®-nominated Best Musical and 2010 Grammy Award winner for Best Musical Show Album, features the music of Green Day with the lyrics of its lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong. The book is by Armstrong and Michael Mayer and direction is by Tony Award^®-winner Mayer (“Spring Awakening”).

The acclaimed creative team also includes choreography by Olivier Award-winner Steven Hoggett (“Black Watch”) and orchestrations and arrangements by Pulitzer Prize-winner Tom Kitt (“Next to Normal”).  The Tony Award^®-winning scenic design by Christine Jones and the Tony Award^®-winning lighting design by Kevin Adams will also be featured in the tour.

Winner of two Tony Awards^®, AMERICAN IDIOT is the story of three boyhood friends, each searching for meaning in a post 9-11 world.  Through incredible spectacle, thrilling performances, and with the hope embodied by a new generation, AMERICAN IDIOT has given audiences the time of their lives night after night since its Broadway run at the St. James Theatre (March 2010 – April 2011) and its subsequent national tour, which launched December 2011 in Toronto.

“Since its inception, audiences have been surprised by the emotional journey the show takes them on, told almost exclusively through Green Day’s songs, including many they are already familiar with and love,” said Tom Hulce, producer.  “This is such a potent time for our country and the search of our characters for what to believe in is gorgeously celebrated through Billie Joe and Green Day’s wonderfully lush score,” he added.

The musical features the hits “Boulevard of Broken Dreams,” “21 Guns,” “Wake Me Up When September Ends,” “Holiday” and the blockbuster title track “American Idiot” from Green Day’s 2004 Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum album. Also included in the score are several songs from Green Day’s 2009 release “21^st Century Breakdown,” and an unreleased love song, “When It’s Time.”

AMERICAN IDIOT premiered at Berkeley Repertory Theatre in September 2009 and played through November of that year. In April 2010, the musical opened on Broadway where reviews were unanimously positive with Charles Isherwood of the New York Times calling the show “the most adventurous musical to brave Broadway in the past decade” and the Toronto Star naming it “the first great musical of the 21^st century!”

Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Atlanta offers open captioned and American Sign Language (ASL) interpreted performances for every 2013/ 2014 season show.  Open Captioned performances will take place during the first Saturday matinee of each engagement and are sponsored by Theatre Development Fund.  An ASL interpreted performance is available for the first Sunday matinee of each engagement.

For more information on AMERICAN IDIOT, visit www.americanidiotthemusical.com.

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BROADWAY ACROSS AMERICA is part of the Key Brand Entertainment family of companies which includes Broadway.com and is operated by John Gore (Owner & CEO).  BAA is the foremost presenter of first-class touring musicals and plays in North America, operating in 40 markets.  As a leading Broadway producer, BAA is dedicated to the development and production of new and diverse theatre.  Current/upcoming productions include Beautiful, Bullets Over Broadway, Little Miss Sunshine, Million Dollar Quartet and Pippin. Past productions include Hairspray, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Memphis, Promises, Promises, The Producers and War Horse. Broadway.com is the premier theater website for news, exclusive content and ticket sales. For more information please visit BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com and Broadway.com.

 

Atlanta Audiences to Experience Blockbuster Broadway Shows in 2013-2014!!

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Theatre fans will once again have the opportunity to experience some of the most acclaimed shows offered on Broadway without leaving Atlanta.

Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Atlanta is set to bring another season of the hottest musicals and first-rate Broadway performances to the historic Fox Theatre.

The 2013-2014 Season will also feature fan favorites GHOST The Musical, Once, Green Day’s American Idiot, and Evita.

Returning to Atlanta after six years, Disney’s The Lion King will be on stage at the Fox Theatre for the first time ever.  Audiences are in for a treat as a number of Broadway’s premier shows make their Atlanta debuts at the Fox Theatre.

“This is undeniably one of our most anticipated seasons in recent years,” said Russ Belin, vice president of Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Atlanta.  “We’re thrilled to continue offering such a strong line-up for our patrons, and the 2013-2014 Season is sure to exceed expectations. This series is packed with a mix of Tony Award-winning shows and some of the most recognized musicals in recent years. Atlanta will truly have the opportunity to get plugged in to the best of Broadway.”

GHOST The Musical

November 5-10, 2013

Relive the iconic and magical moments from the Oscar-winning movie “Ghost” in a brand-new Broadway musical.  GHOST The Musical breathes glorious new life into a timeless love story.  The musical features an original pop score from multiple Grammy Award-winners Dave Stewart, one half of the 80s pop duo the Eurythmics, and Glen Ballard, co-writer with Alanis Morissette on the multi-platinum album Jagged Little Pill, among many other notable credits and collaborations.  The musical’s tale of everlasting love is thrilling entertainment for audiences of all ages.

Adapted from the hit film by its Academy Award-winning screenwriter Bruce Joel Rubin, GHOST The Musical follows Sam and Molly, a young couple whose connection takes a shocking turn after Sam’s untimely death.  Trapped between two worlds, Sam refuses to leave Molly when he learns she is in grave danger.  Desperate to communicate with her, he turns to a storefront psychic who helps him protect Molly and avenge his death.

The Book of Mormon

January 28-February 9, 2014

Ben Brantley of The New York Times calls it “the best musical of this century.” Entertainment Weekly says it’s “the funniest musical of all time.”  From South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, it’s The Book of Mormon, winner of nine Tony Awards® including Best Musical. Jon Stewart of The Daily Show calls it “a crowning achievement. So good it makes me angry.” Contains explicit language.

Once

March 4-9, 2014

Winner of eight 2012 Tony® Awards including BEST MUSICAL, Once is a truly original Broadway experience.  Featuring an impressive ensemble of actor/musicians who play their own instruments onstage, Once tells the enchanting tale of a Dublin street musician who’s about to give up on his dream when a beautiful young woman takes a sudden interest in his haunting love songs.

As the chemistry between them grows, his music soars to powerful new heights... but their unlikely connection turns out to be deeper and more complex than your everyday romance.  Emotionally captivating and theatrically breathtaking, Once draws you in from the very first note and never lets go.  It’s an unforgettable story about going for your dreams... not living in fear... and the power of music to connect all of us.

Disney’s The Lion King

April 10–27, 2014

Experience the phenomenon.  The most eagerly awaited stage production ever will leap onto the stage of the historic Fox Theatre for the first time.  Visually stunning, technically astounding and with a musical score like none other you’ve ever heard.

Giraffes strut, birds swoop, gazelles leap.  The entire savannah comes to life and as the music soars, Pride Rock slowly emerges from the mist. See the Tony® Award-winning Broadway sensation that Newsweek calls “a landmark event in entertainment.”  The New York Times says, “There is simply nothing else like it.”  Marvel at the breathtaking spectacle of animals brought to life by a cast of more than 40 actors.  Wonder at the inspiration of award-winning director Julie Taymor, who created visual images for this show that you’ll remember forever. Thrill to the pulsating rhythms of the African Pridelands and an unforgettable score including Elton John and Tim Rice’s Oscar®-winning song “Can You Feel The Love Tonight” and “Circle of Life.”

Green Day’s American Idiot

Week of April 28 

Winner of two Tony Awards, the smash-hit musical American Idiot tells the story of three lifelong friends, forced to choose between their dreams and the safety of suburbia. Based on Green Day’s Grammy Award®-winning multi-platinum album and featuring the hits “Boulevard of Broken Dreams,” “21 Guns,” “Wake Me Up When September Ends,” “Holiday,” and the blockbuster title track, American Idiot boldly takes the American musical where it’s never gone before.

With direction by Michael Mayer (Spring Awakening), choreography by Steven Hoggett (Once, Black Watch) and orchestrations and arrangements by Tom Kitt (Bring It On, Next to Normal), the result is an experience Charles Isherwood of The New York Times declares “thrilling, emotionally charged, and as moving as any Broadway musical I’ve seen this year!” Contains explicit language.

Evita

June 3-8, 2014

Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Tony Award®-winning musical returns at last!  Eva Perón used her beauty and charisma to rise meteorically from the slums of Argentina to the presidential mansion as First Lady.

Adored by her people as a champion for the poor, she became one of the most powerful women in the world — while her greed, out-sized ambition, and fragile health made her one of the most tragic.  Evita tells Eva’s passionate and unforgettable true story and features some of theater’s most beautiful songs, including “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina,” “Another Suitcase in Another Hall,” and “High Flying, Adored.”

Don’t miss the stunning new production of Evita, directed by Michael Grandage and choreographed by Rob Ashford, that NBC New York calls “THE HOTTEST TICKET IN TOWN!” 

Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Atlanta’s 2013-2014 season packages are on sale now with prices ranging from $199—$559 for all six shows.

Season ticket prices will vary depending on the number of shows chosen, the number of performances, show time, day of the week, and seating location.

New subscriptions may be ordered on-line at BroadwayinAtlanta.com, via phone by calling 1-800-278-4447 Monday through Friday, 10AM-5PM.

Subscriber benefits include access to the best seats available, discounts of up to 30% on day-of-show pricing, free ticket exchanges, and ticket reprinting.

For current season subscribers, Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Atlanta will send renewal invoices via mail.  For ease and convenience, Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Atlanta will also send renewal information via e-mail and encourages patrons to subscribe online for the new season.

Current season ticket holders who wish to guarantee their same seats must renew by February 28.

Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Atlanta is also offering a three -part installment payment plan this year to help ticket buyers with season purchases.

Tickets to individual shows in the 2013-2014 Season are not available for purchase at this time.   Single-show tickets typically go on sale to the general public 8-12 weeks prior to opening night.  However, season ticket holders have the unique opportunity to purchase additional tickets before they go on sale to the public.  For more information on the 2013-2014 Season, or to order online, please visit BroadwayinAtlanta.com.

Group reservations for individual shows for parties of 10 or more can be made at this time by calling 404-881-2000.  Applicable group minimum may vary depending on the show.

Performances are Tuesday through Thursday at 7:30PM, Friday at 8:00PM, Saturday at 2:00PM and 8:00PM, and Sunday at 1:00PM and 6:30PM.  (All times are subject to change.)

An audio-described performance for the visually impaired and an American Sign Language-interpreted performance for the deaf are available for each pre-determined Saturday matinee of each presentation.

Broadway Across America:  Owned and operated by British theatre producer John Gore (CEO) and entertainment industry veteran Thomas B. McGrath (Chairman), Broadway Across America presents first-class touring Broadway musicals and plays, family productions and other live events throughout a network of 43 North American cities.  Broadway Across America is also dedicated to the development and production of new and diverse live theatre for productions on Broadway, across America and throughout the world.  Broadway Across America most recently produced Irving Berlin’s WHITE CHRISTMAS on Broadway, while current and upcoming productions include WEST SIDE STORY, BLITHE SPIRIT, MINSKY’S, and the DeafWest production of PIPPIN.  Broadway tours include DORA THE EXPLORER, FROST/NIXON, SPAMALOT, CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG and FIDDLER ON THE ROOF. For more information or to purchase tickets through an authorized agent, please visit BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com.