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.

Two for the Show! Million Dollar Quartet - A Review

You know how it goes..."One for the money, two for the show..."

If you take a gamble and journey this week downtown to Atlanta's Fox Theatre, not only will you hear these iconic words from Carl Perkins', "Blue Suede Shoes" but you will also enjoy a myriad of other classic rockabilly and early rock-and-roll songs sang and recorded by the legends you see pictured above (actual photo from 1956).

Songs such as, "Matchbox," "Shake, Rattle, and Roll, "Hound Dog," and "I Walk the Line" grace the Fox's stage this week as the play, "Million Dollar Quartet" (@Million$Quartet) hits the city of Atlanta.

In case you've missed any of my earlier posts, Million Dollar Quartet is the story of four of America's greatest and earliest rock-and-roll musicians (Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis) joining together for one fabled night -- December 4, 1956 -- in the famous Sun Records studio.  All four stars were lured to the studio that iconic night by Sun Records founder and owner, Sam Phillips.

Sam was instrumental in discovering all four of these talents, giving them a chance when no one else would, and signing them to their very first recording contracts.  If the story in this play holds true, all four of these men and Sam Phillips formed deep and respected bonds with each other.  This was mostly due to the fact that Sam remained real and straight with each artist as their careers took off and skyrocketed while others around them seemed only to be pulling them in multiple directions and using them to make money.

The play chronicles that fabled night from the beginning to end, letting us hear the music these men were famous for and showcasing the relationships they had with each other and with Sam.  It is such a great play.  One of the best I have seen in a long while.  It is funny and extremely entertaining.  (Ben Goddard as Jerry Lee Lewis steals the show in my opinion.)

The play is about two hours long and has no intermission.  So, take this into consideration before finding your seat.  This play is suitable for children, but be warned, there are a few profanities.  Nothing too harsh or to write home about, and I did see one or two children in attendance opening night.

One other thing I noticed about the crowd in attendance -- there were all types of people in the audience -- from all walks of life -- children, middle-aged people, seniors, gays, straights, rockers, hippies, women in full-length fur coats.  This play is for everyone, because that's how music works -- it affects everyone, stripping away labels and social classes.

One final heads up -- don't leave after the curtain call.  You are in for a very special treat.  I won't spoil it here, and while I'm sure it's available on the internet, I'd rather keep the ending a secret so you can enjoy it fully and without premeditation.

I know I say this all the time, but my reviews are honest - so I will say it again -- if you have a chance, I encourage you to take your family to The Fox Theatre to see Million Dollar Quartet.  Don't go expecting deep story lines or secrets revealed...

That's not what this play is about.  It's about American history, American culture, and our country's rock-and-roll roots.  It's about tapping your toes, nodding your head, clapping your hands, and singing out loud and along.  Enjoy!

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The national tour of the Broadway musical MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, inspired by the electrifying true story, makes its Atlanta premiere now through March 12-17, 2013.  Ticket prices start at $33 and are available at the Fox Theatre box office, by visiting www.FoxAtlTix.com, or by calling 1-855-ATL-TIXX.

Group orders of 10 or more may be placed by calling 404-881-2000.

*As a part of the Media, I do receive two (2) complementary tickets to each Broadway Across America production.  However, these reviews are completely my own and are not biased or influenced by anyone.