“American Idiot” opened last night on Broadway to rave reviews. The New York Times called it “thrillingly raucous and gorgeously wrought.” USA Today declared it the “feel-good musical of the season.” The Washington Post called it “dazzling” and said the musical had “coolly aggressive dance steps and exhilarating songs.” And the Chicago Tribune said American Idiot “delivers a thick gorgeous head rush of a musical soundscape without current Broadway parallel.”
A group of about 10 people from Berkeley Rep attended the premiere at the St. James Theater in New York, including artistic director Tony Taccone, Managing Director Susie Medak, and General Manager Karen Racanelli. Karen, dazed from little sleep, sent Berkeleyside an email today with a few details about the show and the after-party.
Apparently, the celebrities came out to see and be seen. Karen spotted Donald Trump, Ira Glass, Steve Van Zandt, Rosie O’Donnell, and Carole Shorenstein Hayes at the performance. The entire Green Day band was there as well. Other reports said Tom Hanks, Susan Sarandon, Whoopi Goldberg, Cyndi Lauper, Paul Rudd and Zachary Quinto were also there.
The party continued after the show at the Roseland Ballroom, where 1,500 people came together to drink vodka slurpees (there was a 7-11 theme), eat hot dogs, sloppy joes and Pop Tarts. There was a tattoo booth as well. (I wonder if there was an equation: vodka slurpee + vodka slurpee = tattoo?) Perhaps they were only temporary tattoos.
Lots of bright lights, music, and alcohol at the afterparty. Michael J. Fox, Edward Norton and Camryn Mannheim all showed up.
“American Idiot” was so well received that there is now talk of a Tony Award.
Berkeley Rep scores again.
“This is the highest moment I think we’ve ever had as a band, in the 21 years we’ve been around,” Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong told MTV News.
