'American Idiot' to hit Seoul in September

After a successful run in the U.S., rock musical "American Idiot’’ is ready to arrive on Korean shores. / Courtesy of John Daughtry and OD Musical Company

By Kwon Mee-yoo

“American Idiot,” a punk rock musical featuring the music of the band Green Day, will come to Korea in September.

Based on the band’s seventh studio album with the same title, “American Idiot” is full of the raw energy and angst of a disaffected generation. The album itself was envisioned as a rock opera by vocalist Billie Joe Armstrong, and the musical is faithful to both the music and concept.

Michael Mayer, the famed director of “Spring Awakening,” expanded the narrative of the rock opera in cooperation with the band. The show won a cult fan base among rock music lovers and theater fans alike.

The musical revolves around three discontented young men living in a fictional suburban town. Johnny, also known as “Jesus of Suburbia,” and his friends Will and Tunny seek to escape suburbia and find the freedom and excitement of the big city.

However, the youngsters face uncertainty and identity crises following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States.

The show conveys antiwar sentiment and criticism against the government — symbolized by the bloodstained grenade that appears on the cover of the Green Day album.

The play will come to Korea directly following its second U.S. tour and after making a stop in Tokyo in August. Sean Michael Murray stars as Johnny, Casey O’Farrell as Will, Thomas Hettrick as Tunny and Alyssa Dipalma as “Whatsername.”

“American Idiot” runs from Sept. 5 to 22 at the Samsung Electronics Hall of Blue Square in Hannam-dong, Seoul. Tickets cost from 60,000 to 150,000 won. For more information, call 1588-5212 or visit www.openreview.co.kr.