Review: GREEN DAY'S AMERICAN IDIOT at Town Hall Arts Center

Teen angst is not something to ignore. Often times, it is the only semblance of emotion that youths exhibit in hopes of finding comfort from others and answers from themselves. Just as these emotions are real, so too is the music that exemplifies these feelings. The combination of these ideas leads us to such musical performances as Green Day's American Idiot at Town Hall Arts Center.

Under the direction of Nick Sugar, the creative team and cast have produced an incredibly solid production. American Idiot is the perfect type of show for smaller black box spaces and this interpretation uses the room quite creatively. The scenic design really enhances the experience. With music direction by Donna Kolpan Debreceni, the ensemble sound is well-rounded and balanced perfectly with the live band.

An ensemble cast, the performers are, if nothing else, committed to the story they tell. The boundaries of theatrical performance are pushed to the next level, including a stunning silks routine by Sarah Harmon who plays The Extraordinary Girl. Joining Harmon amongst the leading players is a plethora of equally talented singers, all cast with great precision. Lynzee Newton Jones as Heather and Caleb Reed as Will are each comfortable in their roles, standing their ground amongst such a talented group. Matt LaFontaine at St. Jimmy is iconic is his role as the shifty, sleazy drug dealer. As Whatshername, Faith Angelise Goins-Simmons does a nice job in her portrayal, but I can see within her the ability to push further in her character choices and signing. In their debuts with Town Hall Arts Center, Brian Robertson as Johnny and Ben Fowler as Tunny are each perfect for the roles they play. Robertson's punk-rock vocal stylings are among the strongest vocals on the stage, as are Fowler's, whose character story line is certainly the most emotionally driven out of any in the show.

If you have time, this is certainly not a show to miss. Congrats to all involved.

Green Day's American Idiot plays at Town Hall Arts Center runs September 7 - October 7, 2018. For tickets, visit www.townhallartscenter.org/americanidiot or call the box office at 303-794-2787.

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