BOARD OF DIRECTORS
AN AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE-POWERED
ROCK MUSICAL FOR TODAY
October 2 - November 16, 2024
Mark Taper Forum, Los Angeles
Deaf West's American Idiot played it's final performance on November 16, 2024
Center Theatre Group in Collaboration with Deaf West Theatre
Music by Green Day
Lyrics by Billie Joe Armstrong
Book by Billie Joe Armstrong & Michael Mayer
Choreography by Jennifer Weber
ASL Choreography by Colin Analco
Directed by Snehal Desai
"AMERICAN IDIOT IS A GROUNDBREAKING
MUSICAL KNOCKOUT!" -Backstage
Slinging razor guitars, thundering drums, and an anti-hero named Johnny. Not the prelude of typical entries in the canon of musical theatre. But these elements herald a groundbreaking American musical all the same: with the burning passion of characters who yearn for something more, songs bursting with emotion, and a story that dares you to feel and celebrate and hope.
The music of Green Day and the lyrics of lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong captured the zeitgeist of a generation with its Grammy Award®-winning multi-platinum album. American Idiot puts those raw emotions front and center in a highly theatrical and thoroughly satisfying rock opera that burns up the stage.
Deaf West Theatre and Center Theatre Group present a groundbreaking production of Green Day's American Idiot, reimagined for today's audience. Through ASL, powerful performances, and immersive staging, we explore themes of identity and rebellion while amplifying the voices of Deaf and multi-cultural communities. With nods to contemporary culture and direct audience engagement, this electrifying interpretation pushes boundaries and celebrates the diversity of human experience.
Join us for a bold and intimate journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Through thought-provoking portrayals and Brechtian techniques, our talented ensemble dives deep into universal themes, mirroring the pulse of contemporary society. Experience the raw energy and emotional depth of this modern classic as never seen or heard before, as we invite both Deaf and hearing audiences to join us in this exhilarating exploration.
CAST
ENSEMBLE
FAVORITE SON / ENSEMBLE
VOICE OF EXTRAORDINARY GIRL
ENSEMBLE / DANCE CAPTAIN
JOHNNY
EXTRAORDINARY GIRL / ENSEMBLE
SWING
TUNNY
WILL
VOICE OF JOHNNY
THEO / ENSEMBLE
SWING
VOICE OF WILL
SWING
ST. JIMMY
ENSEMBLE
WHATSERNAME
SWING
ENSEMBLE
HEATHER
CREATIVE
SNEHAL DESAI
DIRECTOR
DAVID O
MUSIC DIRECTOR
JENNIFER WEBER
CHOREOGRAPHER
TAKESHI KATA
SCENIC DESIGNER
COLIN ANALCO
ASL Choreographer
KARYN LAWRENCE
LIGHTING DESIGNER
LENA SANDS
COSTUME DESIGNER
SARAH TUBERT
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
CRICKET MYERS
SOUND DESIGNER
JANELLE DOTE
ASSOCIATE CHOREOGRAPHER
DAVID MURAKAMI
PROJECTION DESIGNER
AMELIA HENSLEY
ASSOCIATE ASL CHOREOGRAPHER
ALEK LEV
ASL ASSISTANT
KATE SCHAAF & MAYA CHANNER
ASSOCIATE SCENIC DESIGNERS
DANIELA MAUCERE
ASL MUSIC ASSOCIATE
DIANA HERRERA
LIGHTING ASSOCIATE
CHRISTOPHER BRATTEN
ASSOCIATE MUSIC DIRECTOR
DANICA MARTINO
COSTUME ASSOCIATE
SHELIA DORN
HAIR & MAKEUP DESIGNER
SUE KARUTZ
STAGE MANAGER
DAVID S. FRANKLIN
PRODUCTION STAGE MANAGER
MICHELLE BLAIR
STAGE MANAGER
"This production of American Idiot challenges us to stretch the canvas of traditional theatre, painting new possibilities by connecting the material to Deaf characters and digital innovation. The expressive power of American Sign Language will bring a vibrant symphony of meaning and emotion to the songs of Green Day."
—David Kurs, Artistic Director, Deaf West Theatre
"This explosive musical will take on a whole new meaning when we join forces with our friends at Deaf West Theatre, for the fourth time in our history, to tell this punk rock and wholly American musical tale in both English and American Sign Language. Pair that with the timing of what is sure to be a memorable election year, and we have the makings of what I believe truly great theatre should be all about: timely, resonant, boundary-pushing, inclusive, and electrifying."
—Snehal Desai, Artistic Director, Center Theatre Group