“American Idiot,” the punk rock opera, was written in response to a painful moment in the nation’s recent history. Its vivid storytelling is one of the reasons that director Erin Speer was happy for the opportunity to bring the show to life on the Playhouse Theatre stage.
“American Idiot” is the latest production by Penn State Centre Stage and the School of Theatre. The show opens Friday, Feb. 17, following an opening night reception.
“Both the album and the production challenge audiences to celebrate their individuality and upset the status quo,” said Speer. “They look at the world with unveiled eyes. Frankly, they ask us to give a damn.”
“American Idiot” tells the very human story of Johnny, Will, and Tunney and their friends. “I am so thrilled to be able to put their rarely told stories on stage here at Penn State,” Speer said. “Our ‘American Idiot’ never loses its hope.”
Speer noted that two themes that run throughout the show are rage and love. “I have done my best to chase those down in my storytelling. Our show is gritty, real, painfully human and inherently hopeful.”
The decision to mount a production of “American Idiot” involved discussions between Speer and the Penn State Centre Stage season selection committee.
“When I was submitting potential titles to the committee, I thought I’d love to direct the show. But I was not interested in doing a scaled back production. I felt, even then, that the show needed to be larger than life.”
The show’s music is by the punk group Green Day. “This is the music of my life,” said Speer. “Growing up in Los Angeles, punk was the soundtrack of every day. I know these characters. I went to middle and high school with them and watched their struggles and triumphs.”
According to Speer, the central characters in the show grapple with their purpose and place in a post 9-11 world. “They are not young people who have been given and squandered opportunities. They are kids who come from poverty, broken or violent homes and they are doing their best to find a place and purpose,” said Speers.
The artistic team for the production includes choreography by Michele Dunleavy, scenic design by Abigaile Wiker, lighting by Zachary Straeffer with costumes by Erik Flores and sound by Tyler Horn.
The large cast includes 23 performers from the School of Theatre at Penn State.
“This process has been a massive collaboration,” Speer explained. “I have thoroughly enjoyed working alongside of my music director Loclan Mackenzie-Spencer to create something we can all be exceptionally proud of. The cast inspires me every day with their passion for the work and this project. It has truly been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.”
Speer is a student in the MFA directing program at Penn State. This production will satisfy a requirement for graduation.
“The Penn State MFA in directing for the musical theatre stage is incredibly unique,” Speer said. “It’s headed by Broadway veteran director Susan H. Schulman who really kicked open doors for female directors on Broadway and has been one of my heroes for quite some time.”
Acceptance into the directing for the musical stage program is highly competitive. It is the only program of its kind in the nation.
IF YOU GO
What: “American Idiot”
When: Previews at 7:30 p.m.: Feb. 14, 16. Evenings at 7:30 p.m.: Feb. 17, 18, 20-25; matinee at 2 p.m.: Feb. 18, 25.
Where: Playhouse Theatre, University Park campus.
Tickets: Evenings: $25; preview/matinee: $20. Penn State students (with valid PSU ID): $12.50. Tickets are available at the Penn State Downtown Ticket Center, Eisenhower Box Office, Bryce Jordan Center, or by calling (814) 863-0255 or 1-800-ARTS-TIX.
