American Idiot Musical (Theatrical Production)

[lookoutrebelgirl]

being that he's in his thirties he's hardly a 'kid' AND tony is a dynamic performer - he can turn his voice in any direction - from sugary pop to all out rock! -whatever direction the role demands at the time. i don't think GD (or Queen) would have chosen 'wimpy boy band' material to represent the kind of characters in their shows, do you? there's too much at stake here. give them credit! the audition process was intense and they chose the one who was right for the role -the one who could cut IT. of course, you're entitled to your opinion, and there will always be critics -but perhaps hold off with your personal judgments until AFTER you've seen the show.

-after day one of rehearsals yesterday, tony has said on Facebook that 'this show is going to completely slam!'

http://www.facebook.com/tonyvincentmusic

exciting times!

-ing

In his vlog it didnt seem like hes seen much of Green Day and Im only judging his voice from his myspace. I just dont see him as Jimmy. He can change my mind.

[miss_ing]

In his vlog it didnt seem like hes seen much of Green Day and Im only judging his voice from his myspace. I just dont see him as Jimmy. He can change my mind.

his solo music (that which is on MySpace) comes from a more rock influenced pop direction. a totally different thing.

[MassHysteria]

his solo music (that which is on MySpace) comes from a more rock influenced pop direction. a totally different thing.

I for one think that he will do a great job!

[J'net]

In his vlog it didnt seem like hes seen much of Green Day and Im only judging his voice from his myspace. I just dont see him as Jimmy. He can change my mind.

I have a feeling he will! I am very much looking forward to this - especially as I learn more.

[MassHysteria]

Heres an article I found on the theater's blog:

Trash = Treasure

POSTED BY PROP SHOP ON WED, JUL 15, 2009

IN PROP SHOP

Timing is everything. Someone else's trash is our treasure. We're a week into the process of finding props for American Idiot and already are hitting a small wall. There's no place to buy what we are looking for. (Yes, I've tried Craigslist, Ebay, Freecycle...and lots of driving around looking on the street...!)

We've made a good start, but I'm hoping some of our avid blog readers might be interested in helping us out. I can even provide an incentive...

So what are the magical items we need, you ask? Well, we need lots and lots of very specifically sized TVs from the 60's-90's (nothing slick and modern) with knobs and buttons. If you email me with a picture and dimensions of ones you could part with, I would be thrilled! Oh, and they don't need to work!

We're also looking for rolling desk chairs without arms, speakers and audio equipment (again, they don't have to be working), small bookshelves, baby supplies (diaper bags and boxes, ergo-carriers and the like), packing blankets, and a basketball hoop. (Okay, I can buy that last one, but figured I might as well ask).

We also need the easier to acquire--but no less difficult to accumulate--packages of food.

I need tons of cereal boxes, milk and egg cartons, and random other food packaging. Plus, empty cases of cheap beer. All of these can be broken down, but they should be clean and not too messed up.

Bring a stack of any of these food items (or contact me about the larger items with pictures and dimensions) to Berkeley Rep by the end of the month, and you'll be entered to win a pair of tickets to the show! We're here weekdays from 9-5.

Help us out, reuse your trash--what a great way to recycle!

Thanks!

http://blog.berkeleyrep.org/2009/07/trash-treasure.html

[Nova-Caine]

I have a feeling he will! I am very much looking forward to this - especially as I learn more.

He really has an amazing voice, he was the reason I wanted to go see We Will Rock you (never got tickets though) I am glad he's part of the production. I can't wait to read the reviews. He certainly does bring a certain je ne sais quoi......

(my french is poor sorry) :/

[miss_ing]

glad to see he has the thumbs up amongst this fabulous community. he'll be thrilled to know that he has your support!

rock 'n' roll and on we go!

[MassHysteria]

I read that John Gallagher, Brian Charles Johnson and Gerard Canonico from Spring Awakening are supposed to be in it.

John Gallagher and Gerard Canonico have both been twittering about it (vaguely):

http://twitter.com/JohnGallagherjr

http://twitter.com/Gerardcanonico

Also looks like Alysha Umphress is part of the cast:

http://www.facebook.com/people/Alysha-Umphress/530967431

[LilyMarie]

I am thoroughly heartbroken about missing this. It sounds like it's coming together beautifully.

[davegrohllover]

I have mixed feelings about it, But i'd still LOVE to see it!

[Guest Shangri-La]

John Gallagher and Gerard Canonico have both been twittering about it (vaguely):

http://twitter.com/JohnGallagherjr

http://twitter.com/Gerardcanonico

Also looks like Alysha Umphress is part of the cast:

http://www.facebook.com/people/Alysha-Umphress/530967431

i admire your stalking abilities.

[Marie_GD]

i admire your stalking abilities.

I am teaching the young ones well.

[MassHysteria]

i admire your stalking abilities.

Lol stalking has such a negative connotation.... "resourceful use of Google/Twitter/Facebook" sounds so much less creepy

[Supermodel*Robot]

Shit, I want to see this so badly. It sounds way too epic.

[alaniluau]

I can't wait to see this!!

[MassHysteria]

We have another cast member, Theo Stockman:

http://www.facebook.com/people/Theo-Stockman/804248

I like this dude, he was in the mega successful HAIR revival on Broadway, and is leaving that to come be a part of the Green Day awesomeness

They had this short bio on his website:

Theo will be making his Broadway debut this March in HAIR: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical.

Also in March, look for him on episodes of

ABC's "Cupid" and NBC's hit show 30ROCK.

Theo is also a DJ in New York, spinning such venues as Black & White Bar, Le Poisson Rouge, Crash Mansion, and the "Mondo Indie Rock Dance Party!" at Don Hill's.

http://theostockman.com/

Here's him in that "Cupid" clip:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUu-MyfVBXA

And here he is on 30 Rock:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8HSNyUAJqs

Neither are extremely long.

There is also a video of the HAIR cast singing on Letterman that seems to include him at about 1:46

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65253Bhi5rM

[Nova-Caine]

God I am loving the sound of this thing more day by day. I have to admit I was a bit sceptical when I first heard about it, thinking it might be a bit cheesy, corny and naff, but they are going big time with this, the cast that we've seen so far really kick arse and now it's just gripping me. I really hope I get to see it one day.

x

[MassHysteria]

I thought I should probably provide some details for the other cast members as well, so first up we have John Gallagher Jr:

I found this little Biography about him on wikipedia:

Gallagher was born and raised in Wilmington, Delaware. Both of his parents were musicians and he eventually went on to play guitar for numerous bands, including Not Now Murray, What Now, Annie's Autograph, and Old Springs Pike. He dropped out of high school during his senior year to pursue acting.

Gallagher has appeared in three plays by playwright David Lindsay-Abaire. He originated the role of Jeff in Abaire's hit play Kimberly Akimbo, appeared in the illfated United Kingdom production of Fuddy Meers, and he received critical acclaim for his role in Rabbit Hole. Rabbit Hole was his Broadway debut. He also appeared in the Manhattan Theatre Club Production of the David Marshall Grant play Current Events. He most recently originated the role of and won the 2007 Tony Award for Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical for his role as Moritz Stiefel in Spring Awakening, which opened on December 10, 2006. On December 16th, 2007, he left Spring Awakening. The role was eventually taken over by Blake Bashoff. He has appeared in such television programs as The West Wing, Law & Order: SVU, NYPD Blue, Ed, Love Monkey, and Hallmark Hall of Fame’s The Flamingo Rising. Film credits include Pieces of April, Woody Allen's "Whatever Works" the upcoming Mr. Gibb, and Kenneth Lonergan’s Margaret.

He was most recently, and throughout his Spring Awakening run, in the band Old Springs Pike. On January 23, 2008, his band members announced his departure. The next day, Gallagher made an official announcement confirming his departure on his MySpace page. Old Springs Pike later officially changed their name to The Spring Standards.

Gallagher recently starred in productions of the plays Port Authority, by Conor McPherson and Farragut North by Beau Willimon. Both plays were productions of the Atlantic Theater Company, the same theater that premiered Spring Awakening.

He is now involved in the show American Idiot, a musical based on the Green Day album of the same name, along with Spring Awakening cast members Brian Charles Johnson and Gerard Canonico. American Idiot is set to premiere in Berkeley, California at the Berkeley Repertory Theater on September 4, 2009.

He is currently dating actress Aubrey Dollar.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Gallagher,_Jr.

[J'net]

I thought I should probably provide some details for the other cast members as well, so first up we have John Gallagher Jr:

Wow! You are really doing a great job getting intelligence on this show. It's all so interesting and exciting. Thanks!!!

So, now can you tell me which characters each of these people will be playing in the show? I don't ask for much, do I?

[.Militza.]

I would like to see that so much.

[Nova-Caine]

Thanks for the new info, its all very exciting.

I don't know why they think we're interested in who they're dating, never have been interested in that stuff even with the bands i'm into.

[MassHysteria]

Wow! You are really doing a great job getting intelligence on this show. It's all so interesting and exciting. Thanks!!!

So, now can you tell me which characters each of these people will be playing in the show? I don't ask for much, do I?

Lol trust me I am looking for that info on who's who.

OK, next we got Gerard Canonico:

Now this guy's cool, and really young, only 20. I've read several interviews on him, looks like he is a long time Green Day fan, so this is quite an expirence for him! Here's what Wikipedia has to say on him:

- Biography -

A native of New Jersey, Canonico has been performing since he was six years old. He was first interested in modeling, but after the first audition he decided that modeling was too boring for his taste. His mother suggested acting instead. He has been a musician since he was 10 years old, starting with voice and moving on to drums and guitar. Both his parents are musicians and his father is a music teacher.

- Career -

His first Broadway performance was in 1999, playing Gavroche in the musical Les Miserables. He played the role for a year and a half before leaving to do A Christmas Carol at Madison Square Garden in 2001, playing the role of Jonathan. He was later cast in the national tour of Casper the Musical, alongside Chita Rivera, performing in Pittsburgh, Kansas City, Atlanta, and Dallas from June 5, 2001 to August 5, 2001.

In 2002 Canonico played Louis in a production of The King and I at the Paper Mill Playhouse. While he was still performing in Les Misérables he became involved in readings for the off-Broadway musical, The Prince and the Pauper at the Lamb's Theatre. He played the Pauper Tom Canty from the show's opening on June 16, 2002 until October, when the show took a month-long break. The show opened again in November without Canonico, who had grown out of the role (and was replaced by Jimmy Dieffenbach). In 2004 Canonico played Brett in the off-Broadway musical Children's Letters to God, also at the Lamb's Theatre.

Starting this summer Gerard will be involved in American Idiot, a musical based on the hit Green Day album, along with fellow Spring Awakening cast members Brian Charles Johnson and John Gallagher, Jr. American Idiot is set to premiere in Berkeley, California on September 4, 2009.

Canonico is currently involved in a two films. One is called "Boy Wonder" and directed by Michael Morrissey, in which Canonico plays the role of "Steve Sanders," and the other is called "Follow Me," in which he plays the role of "Luke"[citation needed].

- Spring Awakening -

Canonico performed as an ensemble member and as an understudy for all male roles (excluding Melchior Gabor) in the Broadway musical, Spring Awakening, which opened on November 10, 2006 at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre. He took over the role of Moritz from August 4, 2008, until the show closed on January 18, 2009.

- Taking Chances -

Canonico has been a member of the band Taking Chances since Christmas 2006, along with the Salerno brothers, Nick, Chris, and Joe. They are an alternative rock band from Hazlet, New Jersey. The music ranges from upbeat pop to rock, and with ska, reggae, and light acoustic songs. Their influences include Green Day, Jimmy Eat World, the All American Rejects, Foo fighters, David Bowie and All Time Low. They released a CD in April 2008, self-titled "Taking Chances".

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerard_Canonico

I don't know why they think we're interested in who they're dating, never have been interested in that stuff even with the bands i'm into.

Lol sorry, its just what they had on Wikipedia, I didn't write it

[Nova-Caine]

[quote name='MassHysteria' date='Jul 17 2009, 10:17 AM' post='3102808'

Lol sorry, its just what they had on Wikipedia, I didn't write it

[MassHysteria]

And the last cast member that I've been able to confirm so far, Alysha Umphress:

Here's her bio from her website:

Alysha was born in Concord, CA and grew up in the neighboring city of Martinez. It was in this quaint harbor town where Alysha started booking regular gigs at venues such as local convalescent homes, rotary club meetings, annual events including the zucchini, seafood and walnut festivals to name a few, as well as the occasional veteran's day flag raising.

Alysha was headed strait to the top! It was then when she released her first solo album entitled "Alysha Sings!". And sing she did! Alysha became known as "The Star Spangled Girl" around the Bay Area due to the fact that she sang the National Anthem at every major sporting event around including the Oakland A's, SF Giants, San Jose Sharks, Golden State Warriors, Sacramento Kings and even some professional sports you didn't even know existed. However, you can only sing the National Anthem 1,000 times before you realize you need a new place to show off your versatility, and where better to do this?, Where else? The exciting and ultra glamorous world of......FAIRS! Yes, the Four Seasons stage at the Alameda County Fair became like a second home to 7 year old Alysha, it gave her a chance to perfect her act and get her album out to the public (selling at least 3 tapes per show!) But sadly, the fair circuit started to take it's toll on the second grader and she decided to try her hand at the dramatic and comedic world of Community Theatre!

Alysha would go on to embody such beloved characters as The Goat/Humpty Dumpty in Alice and Wonderland, the title role in Lenka's Little House, the Jester's little sister (a role created for Alysha) in Once Upon a Mattress and everyone's favorite.....Annie!....three times....and counting. She was on Community Theatre fire!

The years passed and Alysha's passion for the theatre pressed on. After her freshman year at her local (and highly sports oriented) High School, Alysha set her sights on the big city! The city by the bay! Yes the days of Community Theatre were over (or at least paused) for Alysha because she had landed her first professional show in that beloved 60's American musical, FAB!....anyone? anyone? Based on that British mega hit, A Slice of Saturday Night.....anyone? still? Her portrayal of Sue, the mod teen who desperately wishes she had a figure like Twiggy, earned her a Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle Award for Best Supporting Actress in a musical. It was somewhere between the thrill of working next door to The Phantom of the Opera, and the excitement of seeing how many prostitutes she could identify in a single dinner break (highest count 13!) Alysha knew San Francisco was where she needed to be.

Alysha then applied and was accepted to San Francisco's School of the Arts (SOTA) but only under the contingency that she could prove she was some sort of racial minority...so Native American it was! Alysha now had the artistic freedom she craved, as well as the freedom of open campus. While at SOTA, Alysha was exposed to many different fine art disciplines, but she took a shine to the hip and swingin sounds of Jazz. Eventually, Alysha became the lead singer for the SOTA jazz ensemble, going on to sing with Carlos Santana! (the fact that Mr. Santana's son, Salvador was the ensemble's drummer is purely

coincidental)

Knowing that she wanted to seriously continue her training in Music and Theatre, she decided to attend The Boston Conservatory majoring in Musical Theatre. It was there where she would get the serious training she would need to make it on "The Broadway".

Four years and $150,000 later (Thanks Mom/Dad/Sallie Mae), with her BFA tightly in hand, Alysha was ready to make the move to the Big Apple! Only one week after arriving in NYC, Alysha booked her first job on Broadway! 51st and Broadway to be exact. No, not in that monster hit, Mamma Mia! But as a singing waitress at Ellen's Stardust Diner! Yes, for Alysha Umphress....dreams really do come true.

After about a year of living in New York, Alysha was put in contact with a new and exciting American Idol style competition entitled XL STAR! With nothing to lose and nothing to do on Monday nights, she decided to become a contestant. Eight weeks later she had become THE XL STAR, a title she is thrilled and sincerely appreciative to hold.

Since XL STAR Alysha has played Joe's Pub, Birdland, The Irdium, The Metropolitan Room, Carolines, Almost every gay bar, and The Laurie Beechman Theatre where she can be seen every Friday night. She is also working on her third album.....I mean...aside from the ones she put out when she was in elementary school, that should be out in 2007.

http://www.alyshaumphress.com/bio.html

I have a few other people I'm looking at as possible cast members, but still trying to find evidence to back it up.

[MassHysteria]

From what I've seen, Tony still has the most rock background, but these others will definitely add some variety.