Green Day CD To Be Musical
A theatrical version of the 2004 Green Day album “American Idiot” will open the 2009-10 season at Berkeley Repertory Theater. Variety reports: “Michael Mayer, who won a 2007 Tony for directing of “Spring Awakening,” will helm “American Idiot.” Mayer co-writes the book with Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong, who conceived the punk-opera album and wrote most of the lyrics. The band — comprising Armstrong, Mike Dirnt and Tre Cool — is credited with music for the show.
‘Co-produced by Rob Cavallo and Green Day, the “American Idiot” disc sold more than 12 million copies worldwide and won Grammy Awards for rock album and record of the year. Upon its release, it was widely compared to classic rock opera/concept albums such as the Who’s “Tommy,” which was turned into a Broadway hit in 1993; and Pink Floyd’s “The Wall,” also in development as a stage musical for the Weinstein Co.
‘A nihilistic coming-of-age story drenched in post-9/11 paranoia, “American Idiot” follows disaffected contemporary American Everykid Jesus of Suburbia as he morphs into violent, drug-dealing alter-ego St. Jimmy and falls for anarchist girlfriend Whatsername.’
