Green Day’s American Idiot to Set Stage on June 24!

9 Works Theatrical and Globe Telecom are partnering to give you Green Day’s American Idiot. That’s right, for the first time ever Globe is co-producing (and not sponsoring!) a theater production with 9WT nonetheless. I attended the press conference last May and I was lucky to be one of the first to witness the talent set to rock Manila this June 24. Check out a snippet of their performance of “21 Guns” below. I had goosies you guys!

https://youtu.be/bMJc7C6hfjk

During the presscon, Robbie Guevara, 9WT Creative Director and director of #Globe9WTAmericanIdiot, shared that getting the license to stage the Green Day musical here in the country was conceptualized way back in 2012. The license was just acquired last year. Everything played out in perfect order as the show made it right on time for Globe’s Iconic Store to open in Bonifacio Global City. Two separate stores will open on opposite buildings, connected by a pioneering glass bridge. Yep, American Idiot will be held outdoors on that glass bridge. It’s a whole different theatre experience that can draw crowds and connect to a bigger audience. The goal is to make theatre an accidental experience, to let the talent and product pull people in. I know other theatre productions that have been done outdoors but it’s the first time that this is happening in this magnitude!

The timing couldn’t be better as the show’s led by awesome talent from the OPM rock scene: Philippine rock icon Basti Artadi (Wolfgang), Miggy Chavez  (Chicosci), Jason Fernandez (formerly from Rivermaya), and veteran thespian Nel Gomez. Miss Saigon West End alumni Ela Lisondra and Ariel Reonal also join the “company to beat” (to quote a member of the cast) along with Norby David (former Rivermaya lead vocalist), Yanah Laurel, Alex Godinez, Kai Atienza, Gian Gloria, Mako Alonso, Sarah Facuri, Chesko Rodriguez, Shalee Vicencio, Mark Tayag and Kendrick Ibasco.

For those who are not familiar with the musical, like me, before I Googled it, if you know the songs of Green Day or at least listen to their American Idiot album, you’d have an idea how the story will play out. The musical is about a journey of three young men: Johnny (Fernandez), Will (Chavez) and Tunny (Gomez. I just noticed that all the surnames of the leads end in “ez”-es. HAHA.) The three friends face the harsh realities of the world around them in a post-9/11 America where they must face challenges of love, teen pregnancy, war, drugs and loss. It’s a coming-of-age story that is still relevant now in 2016. The youth is still fighting their own wars like cyber-bullying, drugs and hazing.

I was smiling all throughout each of their preview performances. I didn’t expect to like rock/punk music but, yeah, I dig it. I’m also excited how the music will be arranged and how our rock stars will dance and do choreography. 😀 My personal favorites are “21 Guns” and “American Idiot” (and many more, but I’m reserving that for another post). I’m now reviewing the songs so when June 24 comes, I’ll be ready!

Don’t miss Green Day’s American Idiot showing a total of 9 nights on the weekends of June 24 till July 10, 2016 at the Globe Iconic Store in Bonifacio High Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. Check out more details about the show at the Globe American Idiot official page. You may also purchase your tickets right now via TicketWorld online or via their hotline at 891-9999.