For the third time at the end of February I will venture to New York to see American Idiot on Broadway for 4 more shows. I had only been to NY once before a few years ago for a weekend. I certainly didn't think I would ever go to NY just to see Billie as St. Jimmy once let alone 3 times! But what an incredible adventure this has been.
People ask me why I am so fascinated with Green Day and American Idiot on Broadway. In September 2009 my best friend took me to see the Berkeley production of AI. I was enthralled and told myself if it ever hit Broadway, I would go. Seeing the show in Berkeley was a turning point in my life personally and Green Day just "fit" with everything going on. The more I came to appreciate the band's music, the more I felt changed into a better person. Then by seeing the play, I met several other fans on Facebook with whom I have become very close. The play has become a common bond and love between many of my friends and I tell everyone I get a chance to tell, to go see the play.
Seeing a punk rock opera on Broadway is history in the making. Hopefully American Idiot is liberating minds on Broadway so people can see that Broadway is a celebration of all KINDS of music, not just your typical show-tuney type. I was saddened that American Idiot didn't win the Tony for Best Musical but understand there are still obstacles to overcome. But I for one will always be grateful for the opportunity to see the shows and indulge in its artistic expression of punk and rock. Thank you, American Idiot!
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Ben Thompson
With the recent news of Theo Stockman leaving American Idiot on Broadway, it made me think of one of the actors, Ben Thompson. I always enjoyed seeing Ben's roles in American Idiot and how he mainly played in the background, but shined in the guerney scene as a wounded vet. I was curious to know a little bit more about him.
The best bio I found is at: http://broadwayworld.com/article/GYPSY_OF_THE_MONTH_AMERICAN_IDIOTs_Ben_Thompson_20100702
I remember talking to Ben while I was in New York in September and asked for his autograph. He told me how thrilled he was to be working with his idols and how everyday was a dream come true. I remember how his eyes truly lit up when he spoke of Billie Joe Armstrong... how he used to call Billie his idol and now he called him his friend. Something that evening really attached me to Ben and I feel his talents have yet to be truly revealed. Thank you, Ben!
The best bio I found is at: http://broadwayworld.com/article/GYPSY_OF_THE_MONTH_AMERICAN_IDIOTs_Ben_Thompson_20100702
I remember talking to Ben while I was in New York in September and asked for his autograph. He told me how thrilled he was to be working with his idols and how everyday was a dream come true. I remember how his eyes truly lit up when he spoke of Billie Joe Armstrong... how he used to call Billie his idol and now he called him his friend. Something that evening really attached me to Ben and I feel his talents have yet to be truly revealed. Thank you, Ben!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Baby Jimmy
It's no secret how much I love American Idiot on Broadway. My friends know it. My family knows it. Even my dog knows it. For Halloween I sported a dead-on Whatsername costume complete with pink hair. I dressed my 2 year old up as Baby Jimmy with some skinny jeans and a cut black shirt with the white St. Jimmy heart. My son didn't quite like his costume... but everyone who saw me knew exactly who we were.
Tonight as he took his bath, he picked up a red soap crayon and curiously looked at it. Then he looked at the wall and said, "Nope!" He looked at the side of the tub and said, "Nope!" Then he looked at his bare chest and exclaimed, "YES!" Promptly he drew a red heart on his tummy. Upside down of course. Then he looked at me and said, "Mama! I Baby Jimmy!" Oh that makes a mother proud :)
Tonight as he took his bath, he picked up a red soap crayon and curiously looked at it. Then he looked at the wall and said, "Nope!" He looked at the side of the tub and said, "Nope!" Then he looked at his bare chest and exclaimed, "YES!" Promptly he drew a red heart on his tummy. Upside down of course. Then he looked at me and said, "Mama! I Baby Jimmy!" Oh that makes a mother proud :)
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
St. Etheridge?!
Oh hell yes!! Today it was announced that Melissa Etheridge will assume the role of St. Jimmy the week of February 1st while Billie is taking a break. The fan community seems torn on this decision as they cannot possibly fathom a female taking this role. But Melissa?! OH how I would love to go see her perform!! I don't know if I am more excited knowing her powerful voice is about to rock the St. James theater, or if I just want to see a female in the role. Either way, American Idiot will see a change and its audiences are sure in for a treat! Way to go, AI!
Monday, January 17, 2011
How to Cure This Addiction
Sitting in my room in Northern California, I have just returned from another small venture to see American Idiot on Broadway. This was my second trip and I am already planning my third. I have seen the play 6 times now and am amazed at how it slightly improves each time. I was lucky enough, and oblivious, to view the 300th show. My friends and I happened to bring flowers for the cast and what a celebratory night it was for them! So amazing that I just want to keep going, and going, and going...
So how do I cure this addiction for American Idiot?
1) Find as many cast member twitter accounts as possible. Check.
2) Find cast member accounts on facebook. Check.
3) Buy a second copy of the soundtrack because my first copy has so many scratches. Check.
4) Teach my kids the choreography. Check.
5) Plan yet a third trip in February and another one in April. Check.
6) Realize that there is NO cure and I am just feeding the addiction. Check.
Hats off to the cast and crew. So sad that Tony and Mary have parted ways, and now that Michael and Theo are leaving. But so far the replacements have been extraordinary :)
So how do I cure this addiction for American Idiot?
1) Find as many cast member twitter accounts as possible. Check.
2) Find cast member accounts on facebook. Check.
3) Buy a second copy of the soundtrack because my first copy has so many scratches. Check.
4) Teach my kids the choreography. Check.
5) Plan yet a third trip in February and another one in April. Check.
6) Realize that there is NO cure and I am just feeding the addiction. Check.
Hats off to the cast and crew. So sad that Tony and Mary have parted ways, and now that Michael and Theo are leaving. But so far the replacements have been extraordinary :)
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