UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State Centre Stage will present Green Day’s rock musical "American Idiot," Feb. 14-25 at the Playhouse Theatre, with direction by Erin Speer, musical direction by Loclan Mackenzie-Spencer, and choreography by Michele Dunleavey. "American Idiot," based on the 2004 Green Day album of the same name, follows the exhilarating journey of a new generation of young Americans as they struggle to find meaning in a post–9/11 world.
This punk rock opera follows the story of Jesus of Suburbia, an adolescent anti-hero who is divided between “rage and love.” Director Erin Farrell Speer states, “I could not approach a punk rock opera without exploring the history and legacy of the movement that spawned it. Punk started as a counter-culture movement in response to the homogenization of society. Punk celebrates the individual. We are privileged to live in a nation that has historically opened its arms to the peoples of the world. Like the punks who came before, we should celebrate our individuality, for what makes us diverse is also what makes us stronger.”
Previews at 7:30 p.m.: Feb. 14, 16.
Evenings at 7:30 p.m.: Feb. 17, 18, 20-25; Matinee at 2 p.m.: Feb. 18, 25.
Evenings: $25; Preview/Matinee: $20. Penn State Students (with valid PSU ID): $12.50.
Opening Night Reception at the Playhouse, Friday, Feb. 17: $30. (Does not include show ticket. Includes pre-show hors d’ouerves and post-show desserts. Doors open at 6 p.m., show begins 7:30 p.m. Purchase show ticket separately.)
Tickets are available at the Penn State Downtown Ticket Center, Eisenhower Box Office, Bryce Jordan Center, or by calling 814-863-0255 or 1-800-ARTS-TIX.Generous student and group sales discounts are available.