American Idiot the Musical
Music: Green Day
Lyrics: Billie Joe Armstrong
Book: Billie Joe Armstrong & Michael Mayer
Premiere: 2009, Berkeley Repertory Theatre
Broadway Run: 2010–2011
Synopsis
American Idiot follows the story of three disaffected young men—Johnny, Tunny, and Will—each searching for meaning in a post-9/11 America filled with disillusionment, media saturation, and suburban numbness.
Johnny, the self-proclaimed "Jesus of Suburbia," flees to the city in hopes of finding purpose and excitement. There, he spirals into addiction and a toxic relationship with an alluring woman known only as Whatsername, all while being haunted by a sinister alter ego, St. Jimmy.
Tunny, seduced by the militaristic propaganda on TV, enlists in the military, is wounded in combat, and wrestles with both physical and emotional trauma.
Will is forced to stay home when his girlfriend Heather becomes pregnant. Trapped by domestic responsibility, he falls into apathy and substance abuse.
As each character confronts their personal demons, the show builds to a conclusion where they all must reconcile their dreams with reality—and figure out what comes next.
Set to Green Day’s explosive album American Idiot (plus tracks from 21st Century Breakdown and others), the show is raw, punk, and visually kinetic, delivered more as a rock opera than a traditional book musical.
Character Breakdown & Cast Size Leads (3 Males)
Cast Size
Music: Green Day
Lyrics: Billie Joe Armstrong
Book: Billie Joe Armstrong & Michael Mayer
Premiere: 2009, Berkeley Repertory Theatre
Broadway Run: 2010–2011
Synopsis
American Idiot follows the story of three disaffected young men—Johnny, Tunny, and Will—each searching for meaning in a post-9/11 America filled with disillusionment, media saturation, and suburban numbness.
Johnny, the self-proclaimed "Jesus of Suburbia," flees to the city in hopes of finding purpose and excitement. There, he spirals into addiction and a toxic relationship with an alluring woman known only as Whatsername, all while being haunted by a sinister alter ego, St. Jimmy.
Tunny, seduced by the militaristic propaganda on TV, enlists in the military, is wounded in combat, and wrestles with both physical and emotional trauma.
Will is forced to stay home when his girlfriend Heather becomes pregnant. Trapped by domestic responsibility, he falls into apathy and substance abuse.
As each character confronts their personal demons, the show builds to a conclusion where they all must reconcile their dreams with reality—and figure out what comes next.
Set to Green Day’s explosive album American Idiot (plus tracks from 21st Century Breakdown and others), the show is raw, punk, and visually kinetic, delivered more as a rock opera than a traditional book musical.
Character Breakdown & Cast Size Leads (3 Males)
- Johnny – The central character. A lost, angry young man searching for meaning. Sings multiple solos. Emotional arc includes rebellion, addiction, and self-realization.
- Tunny – Johnny’s friend. Idealistic but impressionable. Leaves to fight in the war. Injured in combat. Strong vocalist.
- Will – The third friend. Stays behind due to Heather's pregnancy. Spirals into depression and alcohol abuse.
- St. Jimmy (any gender) – Johnny’s rebellious and destructive alter ego. Charismatic and edgy. Can be played male or female depending on production. (Rock tenor or alto/mezzo)
- Whatsername (female) – Johnny’s love interest. Mysterious and tough. Ultimately walks away from his toxic lifestyle. Strong vocalist and mover.
- Heather (female) – Will’s girlfriend and mother of his child. Faces motherhood largely alone. Complex emotional journey.
- Extraordinary Girl (female) – A dreamlike figure who appears to Tunny during his hospital recovery. Often portrayed aerially or with dance.
Cast Size
- Minimum Cast: 9 (Doubling required)
- Ideal Cast: 15–20
- Gender Breakdown: Flexible, but original Broadway was roughly even male/female
- Casting Notes: Diverse, contemporary casting encouraged. Strong rock/pop vocalists and dancers needed.
