‘American Idiot’ musical to open at QPAC

An explosive group of talented artists has been announced to star in the Australian premiere season of Green Day’s American Idiot in the Playhouse at Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) from 23 February.

Sharing the featured role of rebellious and charismatic St Jimmy will be two Australian music legends: Chris Cheney, guitarist and lead vocalist of Australian rock band The Living End, and Phil Jamieson, the enigmatic front man for alternative rock band Grinspoon. A lineup of talented Australian musical theatre performers will also join the 13-member cast, including Ben Bennett, Cameron MacDonald, Alex Jeans, Phoebe Panaretos, Rowena Vilar and Ashleigh Barlow. They are all ready to melt the walls of the Playhouse, QPAC when this Tony and Grammy Award-winning rock musical opens, exclusive to Brisbane, in a few weeks’ time.

The production will feature choreography by none other than Lucas Newland, owner of Brent Street in Sydney.

American Idiot is the story of three boyhood friends, each searching for meaning in a post 9/11 world. The show features the music of Green Day with the lyrics of its lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong and book by Billie Joe Armstrong and Michael Mayer. It features every song from Green Day’s iconic album American Idiot as well as several songs from their follow-up release, 21st Century Breakdown.

The album American Idiot not only redefined Green Day as a band, but also gave a voice to a generation waiting for the opportunity to let their hair down, rock-out, and embrace their youth and individuality. The high-octane production captures not only the sound of the generation, but the frustrations, fears, dreams and challenges of life in the media-saturated, post-9/11 era.

Nick Skubij, producer at shake & stir theatre co, said he is thrilled to announce the amazing lineup of Australian artists secured for the national premiere of Green Day’s American Idiot. “We had over 600 people from across the nation audition for parts and believe we have on board a collection of the most authentic and talented performers. Who better to portray this electric story than actual rock stars themselves? We are stoked to have two iconic Australian band front men, Chris Cheney and Phil Jamieson, along with a hugely talented group of young musical theatre stars and an acclaimed creative team,” he said.

See QPAC’s Playhouse be transformed into a grungy mosh pit. Tickets are on sale now via www.qpac.com.au. According to officials, there are currently no plans to tour this production.

Photo by Dylan Evans Photography.