Variety - Recommended
"...The touring "American Idiot" kicks ass in every sense."
LA Weekly - Not Recommended
"...But book co-writer/director Michael Mayer fails to allow the audience to empathize with their disaffection. So the point is to demonstrate the barrier between them and the world, and their sense of isolation. Great. But don't wrap by tidily resolving a drug addiction, a broken family and a war veteran's physical loss."
Backstage - Recommended
"...Armstrong and Mayer's minimalist book, Green Day's rafter-shattering music, and Armstrong's ingenious lyrics coalesce into an enthralling whole. The musical is in shipshape form in this national touring edition."
Broadway World - Recommended
"...
At the Ahmanson until April 22, the Tony nominated musical may not be everyone's cup of tea, but its roar should be acknowledged and appreciated on its own terms."
Entertainment Today - Somewhat Recommended
"...Despite a cast of solid singers and musicians, the L.A. version lacks the spontaneity of the original 2009 New York production, which often featured well-known rock stars and Broadway vets."
Edge - Somewhat Recommended
"...So, can punk work on a Broadway stage? Of course it can. Green Day's riveting music of angst, disillusion, and, yes, even hope already proves that. If only the rest of it would fall in line."
Examiner - Recommended
"...Overall, Green Day's music is killer and makes up for the thin story."
CurtainUp - Recommended
"...What Mayer may lack as a scenarist, he makes up for here as a visionary director. With all due to respect to Tommy, Jesus Christ Superstar, the Four Season's Greatest Hits and their ilk, American Idiot is the best theatricalization of an album yet. This galvanizing production should be seen by fans of Green Day, contemporary dance, and pure theatre artistry."
BlogCritics.org - Recommended
"...The choreography by Steven Hoggett is inspired. Michael Mayer has done a brilliant job of directing. While rock is not my favorite form of music (I tend to be old school), I liked most of the music."
OC Register - Recommended
"...But there's no denying the melodic craft or emotional intensity of Green Day's songs, and this rambunctious cast captures the group's performance energy brilliantly (Hughes' resemblance to the kohl-eyed Armstrong is no mere coincidence, and he shares the front man's raffish charm)."
Neon Tommy - Recommended
"...While "American Idiot" has its roots in other rock shows like "Spring Awakening" and "Next to Normal," it is a unique experience. It is not a typical musical, but more a rock concert with choreography. Indeed, the singing is one of the show's strongest points, and the cast capably belts Tom Kitt's luscious orchestrations in true contemporary pop/rock musical theater style. The choreography, by Steven Hoggett, is urgent, kinetic, and crisp."
Frontiers - Recommended
"...Taken entirely from rock/punk band Green Day's award-winning album American Idiot, the musical blends the rock concert and stage show brilliantly."
Daily 49er - Recommended
"...Overall, the play is impressive and proof at how talented Green Day is. The lyrics work extremely well as the basis of the storyline, and anyone - Green Day fan or not - will be easily pleased."
Musicals In LA - Recommended
"...The show is powerful, in-your-face, touching, painful, and wonderful…with a cast that's on fire. Raw in every sense of the word. You've got to experience it for yourself!"
Melpomene Blogs Back - Not Recommended
"...The thing that irritates me the most about how awful this production is, is that Center Theatre Group has the deep pockets and visibility necessary to bring actual groundbreaking theater to Los Angeles but instead of getting behind something truly artistic and important they bring us this schlock. For that, I say to Center Theatre Group: Shame on you."
Total Theater - Recommended
"...It's all a bit bewildering and sketchy, but the dynamic music, singing and dancing hold you, keep catching you up in its impassioned, dizzying spell."
