American Idiot to open at Red Tree Theatre

Jopuka Productions, The Central Coast’s leading youth arts body, will present Green Day’s 2010 rock musical American Idiot at the Red Tree Theatre, Tuggerah, from March 10-25.

The high-energy and dynamic production, based on the popular 2003 album, will be directed by Rosie Ross and produced by AWGIE-nominated theatre maker Joshua Maxwell, with musical direction by Ben Ross and Bradley Hughes.

“American Idiot has been on our radar for years,” Maxwell said.

“We are so excited to bring this explosive rock musical to the Central Coast for the first time.

“Rosie and her team have created a truly spectacular show.”

The production will be the first in the world to feature a transgender performer in the role of Johnny, with the casting decision a reflection of Jopuka Productions’ commitment to diversity and inclusion in the arts.

Lucas-Alexander Carter is a singer-songwriter and a life member of Jopuka Productions.

“I’m honoured and thrilled to be asked to take on the role of Johnny,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to bringing this character to life in a new, yet sincere, way.

“As someone who is transgender, this is a huge opportunity for not only myself, but for the arts, and other trans and gender-non-conforming people as we are being recognised in cast in these fantastic roles.”

American Idiot follows the story of three friends who must navigate the complexities of the Bush era in suburban America.

The show features hit songs from the album, including Boulevard of Broken Dreams and Wake Me Up When September Ends, as well as other Green Day hits.

The production contains a lengthy list of content warnings which can be found via Jopuka’s website www.jopuka. org.au.

Tickets can be bought online or at the theatre box office.

Source: Media release, Feb 24 Jopuka Productions