RETURN OF A SMART IDIOT

It’s always satisfying to see a show that really works get a remount. DOMA, which presented the best version I have ever seen of Green Day’s  American Idiot is bringing back their extraordinarily successful production for a limited run next month.  Inspired by a 2004 rock album by the American punk rock band Green Day, American Idiot has received its share of positive reviews since its 2009 premiere in Berkeley, CA  and subsequent Broadway  and national tour runs.

The rock musical has also received its share of shrugs, especially from patrons who couldn’t follow the lyrics or the plot (and/or because the music is so loud). DOMA understands that  the show should be staged as  a raw and exciting rock concert with intelligible lyrics. More than ever, there is much  pleasure to be gained from the multi-media special effects and the gyrating continuous movement of the wildly talented and exuberant ensemble.

OK, the storyline still doesn’t make too much sense, but  just let the music and performances wash over you  as a sensory high–the sustained visceral heat of this  production is impressive. Even spectators who draw a blank at trying to follow the storyline should be impressed by the show’s high energy and the commitment of its performers.

Tony Award-nominated for best musical and a Grammy Award winner for best musical show album, American Idiot features the music of Green Day with lyrics by lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong and a book by Armstrong and Michael Mayer. Songs include chart toppers “Boulevard of Broken Dreams,” “21 Guns,” “Wake Me Up When September Ends,” “Holiday,” and the blockbuster title track. The DOMA production is directed by Marco Gomez, with musical direction by Christopher Raymond and choreography by Angela Todaro.

“We plan to add a few surprises when we re-open,” says Gomez. “So if you’ve already been and want to come back, there will be even more to see.”

photos by Michael Lamont

Green Day’s American Idiot – Reloaded!
DOMA Theatre Company
The MET Theatre, 1089 N. Oxford Ave.
October 2-18, 2015
EXTENDED to November 8, 2015
for tickets, call 323-802-9181 or visit Doma Theatre