American Idiot: Rhapsody along the avenue
Introducing the award-winning musical from Broadway and West End, 9 Works Theatrical presents Green Day’s American Idiot from June 24 until July 10—an eccentric project aiming to exhibit theater publicity and enthusiasm through onstage execution held at the Bonifacio High Street amphitheater in Taguig. Featuring the legendary punk band Green Day’s songs such as “21 Guns,” “Wake Me Up When September Ends,” and “Jesus of Suburbia,” a reveling exhilaration of Robbie Guevara’s direction electrifies the whole field in ecstasy and rock—halting everyone’s pulse after the show.
On a collaborative effort
Submersing in the grievous fate of three men, the story revolves around Johnny (Jason Fernandez), Will (Miggy Chavez), and Tunny (Nel Gomez) and how they diverge into different paths after separating due to their different issues. Trying to escape from the dungeon of life’s misery leads them in meeting people who unexpectedly become the cause of their devastation.
In observance of the cast, the set of actors perfectly stress the show’s theme as an exquisite rock opera. But the intense songs and tumultuous orchestra frankly dominate the entire show, almost bringing the essence of theatricality in terms of acting to obscurity. Fernandez’s and Chaves’ stage movements and delivery of words prompts the show’s awkwardness which can however be excusable, considering American Idiot is their first theater exposure. Fortunately, Gomez brings balance to the entire play and reminds the audience of the essence of the musical through his soulful characterization. Let’s not forget how the main characters’ love interests Whatsername (Yanah Laurel), Extraordinary Girl (Ela Lisondra), and Heather (Alex Godinez) as they salvage the show’s musical mood with their niche in drama and singing. Thankfully, seasoned actors dominate over the debutants which somehow maintains the operatic scheme of the show.
Despite the show’s acting anomalies, the poignant rendition of Green Day’s songs with the mixture of rock, emotion, and passion stirringly satisfies the audience. Laurel, Lisondra, and Godinez incandescently show their genuine theatrical talent with their rendition of “21 Guns,” while their emotional version of “Wake Me up When September Ends” revives Fernandez’ and Chaves’ characters as they execute the song’s purport through their endearing and—frankly— sensual voices. Gomez’s sweet but virile revival of “Are We the Waiting” stands out the most in the soulful lineup with his lovely depiction of the song’s sublime representation of bravery.
Along the rocky story
Although the troupe gives justice to the show’s tracks, American Idiot might be a suitable play for those who are already invested in Green Day’s astounding music. But for those who seek the theatricality and essence of drama, this is far less from what you might expect. The flow of the story seems to be slightly ambiguous as the show gives importance to its songs and performances—making it disorientated for those who have no idea on what the play is about. Aside from its one-sided emphasis, the open venue adds to the concert atmosphere, almost discarding the show’s original tagline as a musical and diverting the show’s storyline which at times still needs to be clarified for the audience’s understanding.
Amid its vague storyline, the vital standpoint of the show is properly disclosed. The urge to fearlessly explore life is depicted as a desire rather than a danger, especially in an era where liberalism is taking over the millennial culture. Some serious youth issues reflect the grim face of reality such as drug addiction and unwanted pregnancies—a series of decisions that are commonly taken as the wreckage of one’s fate, but can be a compelling step toward significant learnings as is portrayed in the show.
One’s miserable end is just a brighter start of another path. American Idiot unveils that we have the chance to go back to where we started to restrain ourselves from repeating the same mistakes. All we need to do is to rebuild ourselves and patiently reunite with the comrades we’ve lost along the way in the war that is life.
