An American Sign Language-Powered Rock Musical, the Center Theatre Group’s collaboration with Deaf West Theatre is a perfect way to re-open the theatre.
By John Lavitt
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 10-11-2024
The Tony and GRAMMY Award-Winning Musical by the alternative punk band Green Day proved to be an ideal performance platform for re-opening the Mark Taper Forum. By joining forces, the Center Theatre Group and Deaf West Theatre take the rebellious musical to a new level of expressiveness. Directed with precision by Center Theatre Group Artistic Director Snehal Desai and supported by Deaf West Theatre Artistic Director DJ Kurs, the latest production is nothing less than a triumph.
Given the rousing success of opening night, the run has received a six-performance extension to November 16. A definite hit as the season opener, the musical underscores the significance of the Mark Taper Forum’s place in the Los Angeles cultural landscape.
With a dynamic cast that balances hearing and deaf actors, the play is a nonstop powerhouse overflowing with emotion and joy. The actors perform simultaneously in American Sign Language and Spoken English. Skilled singers drive the songs, accompanied by an accomplished band elevated above the stage. CTG and Deaf West have a long history of exciting collaborations, including Pippin, Sleeping Beauty, and Big River.
As an electrical musical, American Idiot features music and themes by Green Day. The lyrics are by Billie Joe Armstrong, and the book is by Billie Joe Armstrong and Michael Mayer. Jennifer Weber is the choreographer, and Colin Analco is doing the ASL choreography. The multi-layered set is by Takeshi Kata with colorful, riot-grrrl alternative costumes by Lena Sands. Indeed, the imagery of the production jumps off the stage, simultaneously feeling current to today’s world and magically vibrant.
From the beginning, the music never ends with one song barreling after the next in a manner that drives the narrative like a bullet train. The collaboration of the singers with the deaf performers is intricate and smooth. The transitions are flawless as the singers switch off verses during many classic songs by the band. The unwavering energy on stage is impressive and unflagging.
Indeed, the deaf performers provide a power to their movement that is so physically expressive while also being focused and contained. The talent on stage is undeniable. Rather than explode into mania, the production is precise.
Despite conveying a bleak story of alienation and addiction, American Idiot is never a downer. Even in the darkest moments, there is an undercurrent of hope. The characters never lose sight of the possibility of redemption and the dream of finding a proper home. Ultimately, the story conveys that home transcends any place because it needs to be found within.
Tickets for Green Day’s American Idiot are available through CenterTheatreGroup.org, Audience Services at (213) 628-2772, or in person at the Center Theatre Group Box Offices at The Music Center, 135 N. Grand Avenue in Downtown LA 90012. To learn more about Deaf West Theatre, please check out the company’s website.
Photos by Jeff Lorch Courtesy of the Center Theatre Group
