Say what you will about Green Day’s American Idiot — it’s a punk-rock-opera masterpiece; no, it’s when the band sold out for a second time — it’s not going anywhere. To the post-Dookie generation, it’s THE Green Day album, the reason they’re still popular enough to sell out huge venues. Not just stadiums, either, but theaters. A musical based on the exploits of St. Jimmy ran for more than 400 shows on Broadway, and is now touring the globe.
It’s also causing some trouble at a school in Connecticut.
Students at Enfield High School planned to perform American Idiot in the spring, until the school board put the kibosh on that. According to the Hartford Courant, they’ll now do Little Shop of Horrors, because a musical about murder and Bill Murray having an orgasm over oral pain > #PunkRock.
When he heard about the cancellation, Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong responded on Instagram:
dear Enfield high school board, #enfieldhighschoolmusical#highschoolidiot #enfieldidiot
It has come to my attention that you cancelled your high school theater production of American Idiot.
I realize the content of the Broadway production of AI is not quite “suitable” for a younger audience.
However there is a high school rendition of the production and I believe that’s the one Enfield was planning to perform which is suitable for most people.
it would be a shame if these high schoolers were shut down over some of the content that may be challenging for some of the audience. but the bigger issue is censorship. this production tackles issues in a post 9/11 world and I believe the kids should be heard. and most of all be creative in telling a story about our history.
I hope you reconsider and allow them to create an amazing night of theater!
as they say on Broadway .. “the show must go on!” rage and love
Billie Joe Armstrong
ps. I love that your school is called “Raiders” (Via Instagram)
I imagine the high-school production of American Idiot is the same as the Broadway one, minus the “representative from California has the floor” section. Honestly, that version sounds better. Also, not that anyone asked them, but Mike Dirnt and Tré Cool were hoping the students picked Cats.
They can’t get enough of that Mr. Mistoffelees!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BA-RNvCJFS7/
(Via the Hartford Courant)
