OFFBEAT: Chicago stage run of rock 'n' shock 'American Idiot' Loud and Unclear

Every generation has a stage musical to relate to and paint a picture for future audience generations to offer some insight about what was spinning around in the minds of themselves and their peers.

So if this is indeed the case for "American Idiot," the production showcasing the songs and music of the band Green Day, I'm not so sure even this particular targeted generation knows what's going through their heads.

The national Broadway tour of "American Idiot" opened for a two-week run on Tuesday in Chicago at the Oriental Theatre and is playing until Feb. 19.

I liked the cast and admire their energy and spirit for this 100-minute no intermission "rock 'n'd shock" stage race of nearly two dozen songs scattered amidst a shoe-string story concept. (This cast must have vocal pipes of steel to be able to shout and scream their way through songs so much night after night.)

But I didn't leave feeling satisfied with the content.

Is the ticket-holder supposed to leave feeling happy or optimistic after the experience? This could be one of the mysteries of life.

"American Idiot" stars the music of Green Day with lyrics by lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong, who also helped write the show's book.

It is the story of three boyhood friends, each searching for meaning in a post 9/11 world. It thrilled Broadway audiences in New York during its run at the St. James Theatre from March 2010 to April 2011.

The set, neatly woven with television screens imbedded in a wall laden with images and reminders of marks of the media and technology, is interesting and it's easy to see how the design won Christine Jones a Tony Award. Kevin Adams' Tony Award-winning lighting also is featured for the tour, but I was less of a fan.

In fact, I'm not sure I've ever seen a stage show with so many constantly flashing strobe lights.

So often, theaters are wall-papered with signs warning patrons that "Strobe Lights are used in this production," even when it's just a quick flash to represent lightning. But in this case, I never detected any mention of a forewarning of flashes in the Playbill nor posted signs. If I'd known, wow, would I have brought some sunglasses.

And for some audience members, those not inclined to care for blaring rock music, ear plugs might even be in order, or just leave, as some patrons did.

But as most people can conclude, this is a musical that appeals to fans of Green Day.

For anyone who might want to count the number of times the "F" word is shouted or the finger flip is used, you could likely run out of space on your scorecard.

Jake Epstein is fine as Will, but isn't allowed enough time to develop his character and showcase the range of talent that's waiting to emerge.

The idea for "American Idiot," written and directed by Michael Mayer, who found Broadway success with "Spring Awakening," offers promise but never quite delivers.

For example, original Broadway cast member Van Hughes stars as Johnny, a role in which he concluded "American Idiot's" Broadway run, along with original Broadway cast member Joshua Kobak as St. Jimmy.

But so much of focus on the sex, drinking and shooting up of drugs drives the mind to distraction, and before long, no matter how dynamic Epstein, Hughes and Kobak might be in their roles, it's easy to find one's self caring very little about any of what's unfolding on stage in between songs.

Scott J. Campbell is Tunny, and his performance is clearly a standout. His dreamy number "Extraordinary Girl" is a highlight and staging is incredible for this fascinating scene. But to know a greater depth of Campbell's character, you'd have to mind read, because the stage clues are few and far between.

Original Broadway cast member Leslie McDonel is Heather (who plays the friend of Epstein's character's girlfriend), Gabrielle McClinton is Whatsername and at the Tuesday press performance, Krystina Alabado filled in for ill Nicci Claspell as The Extraordinary Girl, which is no small feat since the role involves acrobatics.

The musical tour also features Talia Aaron, Gabriel Antonacci, Larkin Bogan, Jennifer Bowles, Matt DeAngelis, Dan Gleason, Kelvin Moon Loh, Omar Lopez-Cepero, Tommy McDowell, Jillian Mueller, Vince Oddo and Okieriete Onaodowan.

The musical features the hits "Boulevard of Broken Dreams," "Wake Me Up When September Ends," "Holiday" and the blockbuster title track "American Idiot" from Green Day's 2004 Grammy Award-winning, multiplatinum album.

Tickets are $27 to $95. Call (800) 775‐2000 or americanidiotthemusical.com or www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer. He can be reached at philip.potempa@nwi.com or (219) 852-4327.