American Idiot

Man, I can't disagree more with this review. It's like he saw a different show than I did. I'm a huge fan of Green Day, of this album, and I thought the show did both justice. Everybody keeps complaining about the narrative and that's just not the point. This show is about a group of people that haven't had a voice. It's about the people that stay on their couch and do nothing with their life despite screaming the whole time that it's what they're supposed to do. It's about over-exposure to the media and falling prey to what authority tells you to do despite trying to avoid just that. It's about making poor decisions and having to come home with your tail between your legs. While watching it I kept thinking about how I know each of these characters in my own life, and that finally they are given a voice in an arena that's attempting to reach out to a whole new audience than before. Green Day's genius is in their ability to put subversive counter-culture ideas into mainstream pop music so as to get their message out to the most people possible. Putting this show on Broadway does just that, and I feel like it's important for people to remember that this is not "selling out", it's finding a larger venue to get a message out, and re-invigorating an important artistic piece that came out 6 years ago. I loved it, I was moved, I was a fan of the band and the album before and this show only made me love both more. It's an important show and one that gives voice to a generation and says some pretty sobering stuff, not to mention the music is great, the cast is totally committed, the set/lights/sound are dazzling and it keeps the soul of what made this album great in the first place. Couldn't disagree with Scott more.