REVIEW: Jopuka’s ‘American Idiot’

Review from - Mar 15th, 2023

Pictured; Sean Logan (Will), Luca Carter (Johnny) & Thomas Henry (Tunny) Photo by James Beggs

Don’t wanna be an American idiot Don’t want a nation under the new media And can you hear the sound of hysteria? The subliminal mind-f#ck America

After being invited to opening night of JOPUKA PRODUCTIONS presentation of GREEN DAY’S AMERICAN IDIOT: The Musical, we weren’t sure what to expect – a musical set entirely to the music of Green Day, set in the early 200’s about a couple youths fed up with the state of America, but knowing JOPUKA’s history with incredible shows we knew we couldn’t miss it. Here’s the show’s synopsis for those who aren’t familiar: Bold, brash, and fun, American Idiot takes Green Day’s chart-topping 2005 punk rock album and brings it vibrantly to life. American Idiot follows a young anti-hero, Johnny, the self-proclaimed “Jesus of Suburbia”, and his two buddies, Will and Tunny, as they attempt to break out of their mind-numbing, aimless suburban existence. Each of the men struggles to find the balance between rage and love — a conflict that defines their generation. With Green Day’s heart-pounding, visceral songs and a young cast who rage against the machine of society with heart and spunk, American Idiot is a knockout guaranteed to bring the house down. Anyway, let’s get to our thoughts on the production, shall we? Luca Carter (He/They/Xe) has a phenomenal acting and vocal range, showcasing the many mental states of his character JOHNNY during the show. Luca truely nails JOHNNY’s more aggressive moments towards the beginning of the first act, and then also his more pure and gentle moments at the beginning of the second one. Thomas Henry (He/Him) produces some incredible vocals in his role of ‘Tunny’, most notably during his chest-belt moments. Steph Hanlon (She/Her) once again showcases her Broadway-level vocals in her leading singing role of ‘Heather’.

Pictured; Steph Hanlon as HEATHER Photo by Joshua Maxwell

The main character of this show though is without a doubt the lighting, designed by JOPUKA artistic director Josh Maxwell (They/He). It’s some of the most eye-catching and intense lighting I have EVER seen and It’s genuinely worth seeing this production for the lighting alone.

When I tell you that the singing in this show is professional theatre Broadway level stuff, I mean it. The full-company singing moments in this show are genuinely incredible, immensely beautiful, and just completely amazing. Don’t believe me? Go see it and find out for yourself!

The show’s got some moments of some really quite good choreography, mostly during the aggressive ensemble numbers – most notably the opening song/title number, ‘American Idiot’. There were very clearly some more experienced dancers in the chorus, and it was kind of strange to not see them really having a time to shine and show off all they’ve got, even when there were multiple moments to have done just that. But, it was still enjoyable to watch them in the previously mentioned ensemble numbers.

Love myself a musical theatre power stance

In the end, It’s a show where you really need the music to lead the story, and trust me, it does just that. The 14-person live band produces some absolutely phenomenal music, which continues through practically the entire performance. Big shout out to the drummer at the back who was absolutely GOING AT IT the entire performance.

To those like myself who never wanted to make the journey down to Tuggerah from Newcastle for a 2-hour show – do it. I don’t think there’s a better show out there for somebody looking for that hour-long drive to be worth it, than JOPUKA’s production of ‘GREEN DAY’S AMERICAN IDIOT’.

March 10 – 25 Red Tree Theatre, Darkinjung Country from $20 via linktr.ee/jopuka 2 hours with interval Rated 16+