Punk might be dead, but at least it’s still profitable, especially when it comes to the group Green Day. In 2004, the rock trio released its concept album American Idiot, and soon Broadway came knocking with a proposition for a stage musical. The unlikely pairing resulted in a smash hit that still tours to this day, and one documentary goes behind the scenes to show how it all began.
A trailer was released for Broadway Idiot, which chronicles American Idiot: The Musical from its origins in 2009, when the band first met with Spring Awakenings director Michael Mayer, to its triumphant opening night in 2010. The film focuses mainly on frontman Billie Joe Armstrong, who first expresses doubts over the project, then is later seen dancing, singing, and emoting onstage along with the theater kids. The footage also carries a super positive, congratulatory tone, but I’m curious to see if the film depicts any creative differences between the troubled Armstrong (see his recent rehab stint and meltdown at the iHeartRadio Music Festival) and Mayer.
See trailer and synopsis via iTunes below:
Synopsis:
From punk rock mosh pits and sold-out stadiums to the Great White Way, this electrifying documentary follows Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong as he works with Broadway veterans to turn his mega-hit album, American Idiot, into a Broadway musical. The film goes behind the scenes to reveal the creative choices and challenges made by Grammy® winner Billie Joe and Tony® winning director Michael Mayer (Spring Awakening) to create the thrilling and one-of-a-kind musical experience. More than just a making-of profile, Broadway Idiot is a portrait of a world-famous artist having the guts to try something totally new. The film grants insider access to the actors’ rehearsals, the creative team’s process and live performances that reveal Billie’s transformation from rock star to Broadway star. Broadway Idiot provides a unique window into the art of theater as rock stars and stage stars collide and create something never seen before.
Broadway Idiot will see release on iTunes and in theaters on Oct. 11th.
Have you seen American Idiot: The Musical? Would you be interested in watching a documentary about the show?