American Idiot or Rock of Ages?

[rorschach37]

I am torn between theses two shows. I can't decide which one I should see. Rock of Ages looks like a really fun time with some great talent and music, however American Idiot looks amazing as well, full of young talented actors/singers and superb lighting and production design. I've read some reviews of both and the most-occuring opinion is that American Idiot isn't as good as Rock of Ages story-wise, but I still love how it has a rock opera feel. Is there anyone who has seen both who can give me an idea as to which one would be a better choice?

[Trainwreck]

Having not seen either, I'd certainly rather see Rock of Ages. Not a big Green Day fan.

[Mistress_Spouzic]

Theyre so different... I love em both. Rock of Ages is just silly fun. American Idiot is much darker and heavier.

[JP2]

They're both completely different.

Rock of Ages is silly fun. It's really funny, has an amazing cast, and for a juke box musical, the music could not be used any better. The choreography is also stellar.

American Idiot doesn't have much story, or developed characters, or an overall point. But, if you're a Green Day fan you'll probably absolutely love it.

[singalongsong2]

I love both shows. No matter which one you choose, you will see a great performance from an energetic cast.

See ROA if you want to laugh and hear some great 80s tunes.

See American Idiot if you want something more serious, shorter in length (it's only 90 minutes long), or if you are a Green Day fan.

Again, they are very different shows, but I don't think you can go wrong either way. :)

[taylorPHENOMENON2]

I think they're both fine choices, but I think if I was looking for a more entertaining evening out I would go to Rock of Ages. I do enjoy both though.

[siny]

Only see American Idiot if you are a fan of Green Day. There is not much else to the show. I saw both Rock of Ages and American Idiot and I enjoyed both, but they are as different as can be. The actors in American Idiot are a lot more talented and bring more energy to the show than the actors in Rock of Ages, but Rock of Ages has a better story and more laughs. How about see both ?

[touchofgr3y]

As others have said, American Idiot is really only for big Green Day fans. I've seen both and liked Rock of Ages *SO* much more. It's goofy fun, but it doesn't try to be more than that.

[TheColorOfFlame]

Just to be a voice of dissent, I prefer American Idiot. I think Rock of Ages is the stupidest humor ever, and I think the cheesy 80's rock ballads are so bad. American Idiot has beautiful arrangements, and although I'm biased because I have friends in the cast, I think it's a more enthralling show.

Personally, I think they both wear out their welcome before the finale - but Rock of Ages is way more annoying to me.

[Mother's Younger Brother]

For what it's worth, I don't consider myself a "big Green Day fan" (other than a few songs I've heard on the radio) and I thought American Idiot was brilliant. I saw it twice during it's Berkeley run and would've seen it more if I had the time.

[JP2]

"The actors in American Idiot are a lot more talented and bring more energy to the show than the actors in Rock of Ages, but Rock of Ages has a better story and more laughs."

I think both casts are EQUALLY talented. The ROA cast members bring a lot to the plate. Mitch Jarvis and Adam Danheisser are reason enough to see the show. Yes, the AI cast is pretty fantastic, but so is ROA.

[sgv123]

For AI--I think that Green Day fans will like it and theater fans. It is not just for Green day fans at all.

[rorschach37]

Thank you all very much for your answers. I think I'll be seeing Rock of Ages this time around, but I may be going back to New York in the near future, so I think I'll check out American Idiot then. I really hope I get to see Constantine, Mitch, Lauren, and Adam!!!

[siny]

I was not a Green Day fan before I saw AI, although I knew and liked a few of their songs. But after seeing AI I am now a huge fan. But you do have to at least like their songs if you want to enjoy the show.