The green machine

MANILA, Philippines - Summer has come and passed… to make way for Green Day’s rock opera, American Idiot. This June, 9Works is stirring up the local theater scene yet again. After four years of waiting to snag the rights to the show, American Idiot is finally hitting the stage at the new Globe Iconic theater in Bonifacio Global City — glass bridge, giant screens and a stage, open air and no walls, an entire sky to pack with energy. Pretty huge feat for a cast of only 17 — or so you’d think. For real-life rockers, it’s but second nature. The cast is led by former Rivermaya vocalist Jason Fernandez as Johnny, Chicosci frontman Miggy Chavez as Will, and the Basti Artadi of Wolfgang as St. Jimmy. Joining them will be familiar theater veterans lile Nel Gomez as Tunny, Yanah Laurel as Whatsername, Alex Godinez as Heather and Ela Lisondra as Extraordinary Girl. With 9Works now in its seventh season, director Robbie Guevara promises their best show yet.

“Sa theater, ibang klaseng discipline… Sa Chicosci, walang discipline,” says Miggy, whose band Chicosci grew to prominence in the early 2000s. Cast member Alex adds, “When you come from a musical theater background, you want everything precise. But this is rock.” Director Robbie is confident about the show’s ability to charm every audience member. “If you don’t leave the show humming at least one song,” he says, “you weren’t listening. It’s that magnetic.”

Their ploy? Accidental theater. You might literally be on an unsuspecting Jamba Juice run nearby when, in the words of assistant director Sab Jose, “Oops! Theater!” This show ain’t all about the money, baby, but about introducing theater to new audiences. It’s about expanding the already thriving theater community in the Philippines and bringing the art form to new heights. With American Idiot, expect Green Day classics like Wake Me Up When September Ends and newer hits like 21 Guns. Expect a coming-of-age narrative about the aimlessness of youth, their hedonistic and self-destructive tendencies — but most of all, their steely, gritty resilience. Expect screen-play, fog machines, parkour and all-leather everything. So get ready for a high-octane, head-bangin’ ride through a post-911 America. Warm up those neck muscles and dig out the black eyeliner — it’s about to go from suburb to full on city.

Or in other words — pretty damn crazy.

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American Idiot officially opens on June 24. For ticket info, contact 586-7105, 0917-554-5560 or info@9workstheatrical.com, call Ticketworld at 891-9999, or visit www.globe.com.ph/American-Idiot.