BWW Preview: AMERICAN IDIOT at Circle Players Part 2

This evening the Nashville regional premier of AMERICAN IDIOT opens at Tennessee State University Performing Arts Center, produced by Circle Players. While I've only seen previews of this production, the original grabbed my heart so much that I traveled to see it multiple times. Perhaps one of my favorite things about this show is the lacks of dialogue. There is so much room for personal interpretation from audience members, as well as the chance for the shows production staff and actors to create their characters' own stories.

When I asked director Bradley Moore about telling the story of the characters with such a loose book, he shared with me the difficulties of this task. "This was definitely tough. The written word in the show covers only about 9 pages so a lot had to be conveyed through blocking and choreography. It was very important to me that the story lines of the characters were clear and something that the audience would understand. I focused very hard to develop these 'stories' with the actors. It was always something in the front of my mind."

I also got a chance to question a couple of the cast members about the characters they play. Julia Nettles, who plays one of the leads, shared about her role. "My character is Whatsername. She's feisty, Strong, sexy, confident, creative, passionate, loyal, so many different things. It's been quite a bit of fun, hard work, but a lot of fun playing her. She's a big believer in rebellion, but doesn't really know what she's rebelling from. She's also quite innocent when it comes to some things. It's great to play a character with such a hodge-podge of emotions and personality traits." From the ensemble perspective, Shaun Kopischke shared experience with his character. "I am playing Gerard! Gerard is a little bit of a smaller role but it is TONS of fun. I still get to be in most of the numbers and I even have a few solos here and there! One of the cool things about this show is how much depth each of the characters on stage can have, even without speaking any lines. The whole cast has developed relationships between our characters and we get to show that on stage in every song."

Because of AMERICAN IDIOT strays so far from what most people consider a "traditional musical" while also using music by Green Day that is already well known to most of the general public, there is much chance for bringing audiences in that wouldn't normally see a musical. Fans of Green Day music love the show for the base of music, however I wouldn't say that a love of Green Day music is a pre-requisite to enjoying the show. Personally, I knew Green Day music, but wasn't a huge fan going in.

Julia Nettles and Shaun Kopischke both think that AMERICAN IDIOT will bring audiences in that aren't typical musical theatre audiences. "I'm a big fan of musicals, and I have been all of my life. OKLAHOMA, WEST SIDE STORY I've always been a fan, but not everyone likes that more classical musical theater sound. Some can't relate to it or it's just not their speed and there's nothing wrong with that. The good thing about AMERICAN IDIOT is that those who don't find themselves connecting with 'Oh What A Beautiful Mornin' may find some connection with 'Boulevard of a Broken Dreams'. This kind of musical allows people to find yet another genre that represents them," says Julia. Shaun shares, "I think AMERICAN IDIOT can be a really good jumping off point for the general public into the world of musical theatre. I'm excited to see some very diverse audiences come to see this show!"

Sometimes the best part of a show is finding that thing about it that makes a connection to you. It might be a lyric, a specific number, a character, or maybe all of the above. For me, there is a lyric in the first part of the show that stuck with me from the very first time I saw the show on Broadway. It seemed to sum up everything I was feeling (and sometimes still feel) at the time. "Home is where the heart is, but what a shame 'cause everyone's heart doesn't beat the same." While I can't be positive, I believe that might have been the moment that I fell in love with AMERICAN IDIOT.

Director Bradley Moore shares his favorites parts of the show, "In our production, I love 'Holiday'. I love 'Jesus of Suburbia'. I love 'Whatsername'. I love 'St. Jimmy'. Okay, so I love the whole show! Almost all the lyrics are brilliant so picking specific ones is hard. Sticking out in my mind is 'I don't feel any shame, I won't apologize, when there ain't nowhere you can go' and all the lyrics of 'Are We the Waiting.'"

When I asked Julia what she connected to most about the show, she shared what I think many people will share, "I think the angsty, tumultuous, unsure of our place in the world trope is a theme that resonates with most twenty-somethings. Especially nowadays, when no one is really sure of their place in the world." Shaun's feelings about his connection to the show are very similar. "I grew up on Green Day. I don't think there is a single person on the planet that didn't have a Green Day phase, to be perfectly honest. I feel like, especially right now, the messages in the songs of AMERICAN IDIOT really resonate in the hearts of the younger generation. As one of the youngest in the cast, I feel really connected to these songs and these lyrics because I'm feeling the anger and angst that this show really hammers in."

AMERICAN IDIOT promises to be a different take on theatre for the Nashville theatrical community. By no means is this a bad thing. If you're a theatre fan and need to find a way to explain the show to your non-theatre loving friends, I recommend director Bradley Moore's description. "All Green Day music. Bullet out of a gun. f-ing awesome."

AMERICAN IDIOT opens at Tennessee State University Performing Arts Center tonight, August 20th and plays through August 30th. You can purchase tickets by visiting Circle Players' website. You can check back tomorrow for our review of the opening night performance of AMERICAN IDIOT.