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American Idiot Reviews
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| 16 |
American Idiot gets an A+ Review by: highschooldirector, Oct 6, 2010 |
| The show is simply amazing. Was not expecting anything more than a rock musical but the depth of the story was a major surprise. I completely enjoyed the show and the cast drew me into feel their emotions. I truly recommend this show as a must see! Great job cast! |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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| 17 |
Ugh. Wish I loved it. Review by: Lisa, Sep 25, 2010 |
| I saw American Idiot with such high hopes. I had looked foward to seeing this show for the longest time. I famaliarized myself with the music before hand as well. The good: The music, dancing, and cast were all very very good. The bad: there was NO dialogue whatsoever, and the story was hard to follow and minimal. I agree with the reviews below: Rock of Ages revolved around music, but had a story and humor and was a great broadway show. Jersey ... read more Boys began this thing where the show revolved around music, and Rock of Ages did a good job in doing that. However, go to American Idiot for the music, not for the laughs and humor. Sure the cast was emotional and acted great but there had to be more of a story. I reallly reallly wanted to love this show so I'm just disappointed. Did i have a good day? Yes. But I really was hoping for much more. |
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My recommendation:
Go see if you get a chance
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Romantic Date, Adults
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| 18 |
Probably one of the best musicals out there...MUST SEE! Review by: quizking101, Sep 22, 2010 |
AMERICAN IDIOT was, in all aspects, amazing. I loved the set, especially the various TV screens that help create some atmospheres for certain scenes (like heartlines for "Before the Lobotomy")
Also, what made me end up loving it was that I found alot of touching and poignant moments in what I expected to be a rock concert with a storyline. I welled up during "21 Guns" as well as at the very end where Johnny begins to shove Tunny (with ... read more Will restraing Johnny) and shun him, before ralizing what he is doing and then welcomes him home with open arms.
John Gallagher Jr. is a very talented actor. He made you love, hate, fear for, and loathe Johnny at all the right moments. Michael Esper as Will was also very amazing with his portrayal of a man who didn't know what he had until it was gone. My favorite of the trio, though, was Stark Sands as Tunny, mostly because all of the poignant and heartwrenching moments (though few) involve him (like the ending secne and BEFORE THE LOBOTOMY).
Also, special mention for Rebecca Naomi Jones as Whatshername and ensemble girl Alysha Umphress for having such awesome voices and singing the heck out of everything.
I highly recommend you see this truly enjoyable night of theatre.
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My recommendation:
must see!
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Romantic Date, Tourists, Adults
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| 19 |
Love Love Love it again from What's her name Review by: What's her name, Aug 24, 2010 |
Love, Love, Love this show. The music, dancing and staging are not only exciting but exceptional. A few of the original cast members have been replaced but no matter, ths cast is FABULOUS!!! This show is not for kids under 13 as there's simulated sex and drug use.
The 90 minutes rocks by so fast as there's never a lull or staring at your watch moment.
Broadway has changed and AI is evidence of this wonderful change to incredible ... read more rock music, phenomenal voices and outrageous set design.
Shout out to Rebecca Naomi Jones, who didn't perform the night my teen and I were there as we were several rows behind her in the mezz. She was a riot to watch as she couldn't contain her excitement for the show and cheering her fellow performers. A must see for the new broadway genre |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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Romantic Date, Adults
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Great musical but be warned that there is no intermission! Review by: CoronaKid, Aug 23, 2010 |
I really like Greenday's "American Idiot" so I knew that I would enjoy this musical. It definitely did not disappoint. It had great acting, great production, and it was very moving. If you are not familiar with Greenday's "American Idiot," I think the lyrics and storyline might be a bit hard to follow. You'll probably get the gist of what's going on, but I doubt you'll be as moved as I was. My favorite numbers were St. Jimmy and 21 Guns. ... read more
My one major complaint was the fact that there is no intermission and it runs 1 hr. 45 minutes. About halfway through I had to go to the bathroom but decided to hold it until the end. I literally ran to the bathroom at the end to beat the crowd. |
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My recommendation:
Make an effort to see
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Alone
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Went to see a Broadway Show and I saw a COVERBAND CONCERT !! Review by: Javy, Aug 22, 2010 |
I went to see this " Must See " for their Evening Performance. It is from the Same Producers and Director and Some cast Members from Spring Awaking. ( Don't Quote Me)
Well, I have to say that I was TOTALLY DISAPPOINTED. It was basically A Cover band of Green day. So If you like Green day, ( I am One included)then you will enjoy it. But As a Broadway and Theater person I would have to say
" Stay Away ". There was Nothing that Gave me a ... read more Hope of Theater. I have Seen " Rock Of Ages" ( Check Out my Review There ) and they Had Comedy, Drama, and Hello !!!
...a PLOT !!
So Thanks for the Great Songs Guys, But this was NOT for Broadway. Try Off Broadway..You would Have Success There. |
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My recommendation:
Don't go
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Lacks a story, but definitely a must-see Review by: invisiblegirl, Jul 23, 2010 |
I saw American Idiot with a friend a few days ago (we're both 15), and both of us absolutely loved it. The cast was full of energy, the lighting and set were both breathtaking, and the entire audience was rocking out to the music (newly arranged with harmonies and an orchestra, I might add). But much like previous reviewers wrote, the show lacks much of a story. It's strong enough to tie all of the songs together in a way that makes sense, but ... read more you hardly get interested in any of the characters and by the end, you don't even care what happens to them. The whole show is like a giant rock concert with dialogue. Despite the lack of a plot, though, the show is so high-energy and definitely worth my money.
While I highly recommend this show, be careful of who you bring as an audience. This show is loud, flashy, intense, and contains multiple scenes that could be deemed "inappropriate" by many groups of people (language, sex, drugs, etc.). I would advise that you definitely don't bring little kids, but don't bring your grandparents, either. Instead, bring fans of shows like Rent, next to normal, Spring Awakening, and Hair--it has a lot of parallels to these shows, like the edgy punk-rock music and intense scenes. American Idiot is certainly not a traditional Broadway show, and won't appeal to every audience, but personally, this show is one of my new favorites and you should definitely put this first on your list of shows to see. |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, Business Assoc., Tourists
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| 23 |
If you liked "Rent", you might like "American Idiot" Review by: bostonterrier, Jul 22, 2010 |
I'll write this review from two points of view--mine and my 18 year old son's.
I took my son to see "American Idiot" for a high school graduation surprise. He had been a Green Day fan over the years and I thought he might like it. He thought it was "good; more like a Green Day concert than anything". He thought the plot a bit thin, but he felt the production remained pretty true to the whole Green Day ethos. One comment he made was ... read more that parents should not bring their young kids (10-11 year olds--and there were lots of them in the audience) because the themes for Green Day's music are targeted to ages 16 and up (in his opinion). This production bore that out -- the f-bomb was dropped several times, there was simulated sex and copious amounts of drug use (alcohol, pot and herion injections) portrayed.
For me, "American Idiot" was reminiscent of "Rent" (which I must admit, I liked better). The common theme is "disaffected youth", which even as a parent, I could appreciate. There were several strong vocal performances in "American Idiot", the band was terrific (loved the strings!), and the group harmonies and dancing were good too. The actress who played "Whatshername" has an outstanding voice-- I could listen to her sing the telephone book. My real gripe with "American Idiot" is that there is the barest framework of a story line...I kind of gave up on waiting for "the story" to kick in. That being said, stick around for the encore--it's a very nice touch.
Overall, we would give this musical a "B". |
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My recommendation:
Go see if you get a chance
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Go to see if you get a free ticket Review by: Clarice, Jun 19, 2010 |
| The performers were exceptional, but the story was lacking. If you are really into Green Day, then you will probably like the show because it is more like a concert than any sort of musical with a story. The sound design was way too loud, too many lighting affects, and too many "props" on stage. It almost seemed like if they turn up the volume and distract you with lights and paper being thrown all over the stage, then you will forget ... read more that the story is very lame. The theater was not full at all, several people left during the show, and somehow 2 people in front of me fell asleep. It appeals to a very small group of people. I doubt this show will last, especially after winning so few Tony awards. |
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My recommendation:
Don't go
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OK, on the 3rd time and could see it again Review by: 3rd Timer, May 13, 2010 |
Love, love, love this show...we're on our 3rd time and could see it again tomorrow.
Yes, the storyline is a bit weak about "anxious and lost youth" but it is relevant to what kids are facing today.
The performers are just incredible and each one is a tour de force of energy, talent and singing chops.
The set is mesmerizing with the 40+ flat screens blasting hundreds of images throughout the show.
We are so disappointed that ... read more none of the cast members got Tony nominations esp John Gallagher, Mike Esper, Tony Vincent, Stark Sands and Rebecca.
thanks to most of the cast who signed my kids playbill and posed for pictures with her esp Tony who was just so sweet and chatted with her. |
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My recommendation:
Make an effort to see
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I saw this show with:
Kids
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, Adults
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| 26 |
Incredibly Talented Cast, Poor Storyline Review by: Kelly, May 8, 2010 |
| I agree with a lot of the previous reviewers. You have to enjoy this show for what it is. It is not, in any way, a great story line. They really could have done more with the story. It was there, but it wasn't developed; it seemed forced. However, the cast of this show is AMAZING and the music is great. My suggestion, listen to the album before going to the show. I had a hard time understanding the words because the music is very loud. ... read more After listening to the album at home I had a greater appreciation for the show. |
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My recommendation:
Make an effort to see
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I saw this show with:
Large Group
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Recommended for:
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| 27 |
Enjoy It for What It Is Review by: Monkeybiz, May 6, 2010 |
Having read the reviews, I knew not to expect much from the story line. Nonetheless, I was still disappointed with the level of character development; I didn't care about any of them, and none made me laugh.
That said, I found the musical performance worth the price of admission. And the characters and set did strike me as a valid facsimile of today's rockers.
But our audience never quite got dialed in. At the end of the show, when the ... read more guitar strummed the first notes of "September," the big number, no one hooted. Bet this wouldn't happen on a weekend. But most of us did stand at the end to show support. |
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My recommendation:
Go see if you get a chance
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I saw this show with:
Spouse/Partner
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, Tourists, Adults
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Not your grandmothers broadway Review by: 2nd Time Mom and Daughter, May 2, 2010 |
My daughter and I just saw it for the 2nd time in 10 days (we were fortunate to get tickets for opening night but sat in the next to last row in the balcony). Today we were in the 2nd row orch which gave us another perspective of the show. These performers have to be young to withstand the 90+ minute amount of energy they expend to handle these roles. They are each a true marvel of song and dance and determination in their unique performances. ... read more The music is loud, frenetic and intoxicating. The storyline is ok and graphic in its portrayal of dare I say, lost youth. But the show is amazing and a new genre like Rent, Hair and Spring Awakening for musical theater. Gone are the days of Oklahoma, Sound of Music etc...
We loved it and my teen daughter was jumping out of her seat even more so than the first time. This is not a grandparents show or a tourist show if they want to see old musical broadway. I can't wait to go again. |
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My recommendation:
Make an effort to see
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I saw this show with:
Kids
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Recommended for:
Adults
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The Music was Amazing! Review by: , Apr 29, 2010 |
| I thought the opening number was the best part of the show... from there it I sort of lost interest. I do have to say though, that the music was absolutley AMAZING. If anything it should get nominated for a Tony for "Best Score" The special effects were great too. You really have to listen to the music in order to understand the show. |
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My recommendation:
Go see if you get a chance
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I saw this show with:
Large Group
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, Tourists, Adults
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| 30 |
5 Times Review by: , Apr 16, 2010 |
| The show is definately geared towards the true Green Day fans through the country. It can easily dissappoint theatre goers who are looking for a heavy book. With that being said, the story is actually fairly strong, but one must know the CD instead of going in blind, and also remember that the songs are told from various perspectives therefor, a lot of the story is told through music. The story is told quite strongly through song, and ... read more also dialogue through the use of letters and postcards. The crowds range from Green Day fans, to regular theatre goers, from older couples, to younger children, though keep in mind, it is Green Day: it deals with drug use/addiction and sex. I've seen the show 4 times in previews thus far and once in Berkely, I personally think the coreography and lighting are brilliant and the cast is phenominal. Just be prepared for the story to be told almost entirely through song. |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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Recommended for:
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| * Review is an opinion of a BroadwayBox user and not that of BroadwayBox.com and BroadwayBox, Inc. |
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