PhotosPHOTO EXCLUSIVE: The Jesus of Suburbia Goes to School! Behind the Scenes at Shenandoah's College Premiere of American IdiotStudents at Shenandoah Conservatory are currently rocking out in the first-ever college production of Green Day's American Idiot. Cast member Jon Graham, who plays Will, documented the rehearsal process right up to opening night!
By
Matthew Blank
September 30, 2014
Being in American Idiot has been one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life," says Graham. "I got the opportunity to put many of my skills to the test including, but not limited to, acting, singing, photography and videography. It has been a joy to work with everyone to create such an exciting story. I wish the show could run longer than just two weekends, but I know that this show and bonds that have formed from it will last a lifetime. Come see us if possible because you've only got three days left!"
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PHOTO EXCLUSIVE: The Jesus of Suburbia Goes to School! Behind the Scenes at Shenandoah's College Premiere of American Idiot
The cast features Mike Bamford (Johnny), Connor Alexander (Tunny), Jon Graham (Will), Lara Treacy (Whatsername), Tess Marshall (Heather), Lauren Khalfayan (Extraordinary Girl) and Stevie Bovo (St. Jimmy) with Erik Poger Abrahamsen, Taylor Bloom, Alex Boyd, Tom Cannan, Christian Favier, Jessica Rae Foulds, Jessica Frenkel, Kali Haines, Brittany Irish, Nick Lenz, Jessica Lynch, Rafael Martinez-Salgado, Nick Morgan, Erin Puskar, Emily Rafala, Frankie Ramirez, Patrick Clealand Rosé, Spencer Streno, Kelsee Sweigard, Hilary Trumbauer and Bryce Wagner. American Idiot, which won the Grammy as Best Musical Show Album, features the music of Green Day with lyrics by lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong. The show won 2010 Tony Awards for its scenic and lighting design by Christine Jones and Kevin Adams, respectively.
The production is directed by Jonathan Flom and choreographed by Tiffanie Carson. Tom Albert serves as musical director.
The creative team also includes scenic design by Bill Pierson; costume design by Tanner Pippert; lighting design by Mac Bozman, Greg Iannarelli and Chris Mudie; sound design by Harold Post and Golder O'Neill and projection design by Alec Sparks, Jon Graham and Jonathan Flom.
The rock musical tells the story of three boyhood friends, each searching for meaning in a post-9/11 world. The score includes all music from Green Day's 2004 album "American Idiot," plus additional numbers from Green Day's Grammy Award-winning 2009 release "21st Century Breakdown" (including "21 Guns" and an unreleased love song, "When It's Time").
The Fred Ebb Award recognizes excellence in musical theatre songwriting, by a songwriter or songwriting team that has not yet achieved significant commercial success.