American Idiot

Part rock concert, part protest rally, part theatre, the show left me on a high and wondering why more modern “rock” musicals can’t be like this.

American Idiot was enthralling, emotional and intense; a production to engage an audience of any age, background, or musical preference. With nothing upon which to improve, American Idiot can only be ★★★★★

American Idiot is the most exciting new rock-opera to appear on a Brisbane stage in over a decade.

It’s an emotional, electrifying display of raw angst, anger and vulnerability ... American Idiot is literally sex, drugs and rock and roll. Think Grease, but, you know, good.

This is immaculately directed, designed and performed, high-octane, entertainment.

Directed by Craig Ilott, this show’s numerous technical aspects could easily go awry but Ilott handled everything in stride. With a ingenious set design, killer visuals, arena spectacular lighting and a top-notch blistering band you’d be forgiven thinking you were at a major rock concert. American Idiot is not just for Dookies and Idiots, it’s for everyone who loves to be entertained by a show at the top of its game. I absolutely loved it and so did the rest of the sold-out audience. You can’t afford to miss this beating, explosive production because you will likely never see anything like it in Brisbane again. For American Idiot the audience have spoken! LOUDLY ★★★★★

American Idiot is like a 90-minute, live-action music video... its intention is to straddle the line between musical theatre and a rock ’n’ roll show and it succeeds in doing just that.

Josh McIntosh’s clever, tech-infused set design; Matthew Marshall’s rich, imaginative lighting; the integrated, impressive video work of optikal bloc; and the live recreation of the albums’ songs under the guidance of co-music directors Nik Pringadi and Glenn Moorhouse — are unarguably magnificent, all executed, per the vision of director Craig Ilott, with precision, style and a wonderful sense of imagination.

American Idiot, presented by Shake & Stir Theatre Co and QPAC, is the most important and urgent piece of art you need to consume in 2017.