Shenandoah Conservatory kicks off its Main Stage Series with the college premiere of “American Idiot” under the direction of Jonathan Flom. “American Idiot” premieres on Friday, Sept. 26, at 8 p.m. in Ohrstrom-Bryant Theatre. The production runs Friday, Sept. 26, through Sunday, Sept. 28, and Thursday, Oct. 2, through Saturday, Oct. 4.
Based on the GRAMMY® Award-winning album by Green Day, “American Idiot” is a raucous and exhilarating rock musical about three disillusioned youths searching for freedom beyond suburban America.
The groundbreaking rock opera recently finished its national tour in May 2014, and Shenandoah Conservatory currently holds the only license to produce the show. It is the first school to premiere the work at the non-professional level.
“We are so thrilled to be the first venue to present this show after its Broadway and National Tour runs,” said Director Jonathan Flom. “It goes hand-in-hand with the cutting-edge, contemporary training our theatre students are receiving at Shenandoah. We are honored that we were chosen as the premiere university for Green Day’s groundbreaking musical, and we are further humbled by the generosity we have received from the creatives who produced the original show, some of whom plan to be in attendance and others who have sent their best wishes for our production.”
In addition to the performances, students will have the opportunity to learn from some of the industry’s leading teachers. Shenandoah Conservatory commitment to pop/rock voice training excellence is further realized through the offering of multiple master classes and workshops led by VP Boyle(MaxTheatrix), Sheri Sanders (Rock the Audition), Melissa Cross (The Zen of Screaming), and Stacey Alley from the University of Alabama. These artists will host master classes and workshops in dance and musical theatre; the theatre industry; acting techniques and auditions; and pop/rock vocal training and techniques.
The production is the result of a collaboration between multiple disciplines within the conservatory, including dance, music production and recording technology, and music. Choreography is by Tiffanie Carson (a Christopher K. Morgan & Company dancer). Musical direction will be in the hands of Thomas Albert with vocal supervision by Matthew Edwards. Scenic design is by Bill Pierson, costume design by Tanner Pippert, lighting design by Mac Bozmanand Chris Mudie, and sound design by Golder O’Neill.
Shenandoah Conservatory’s Main Stage Theatre series presents “American Idiot” on Friday, Sept. 26, at 8 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 27, at 8 p.m.; Sunday, Sept. 28, at 7 p.m.; Thursday, Oct. 2, at 8 p.m.; Friday, Oct. 3, at 8 p.m.; and Saturday, Oct. 4, at 8 p.m. in the Ohrstrom-Bryant Theatre on the campus of Shenandoah University in Winchester, Virginia.
Ticket prices are $20 for general admission and $18 for seniors. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the Shenandoah University Box Office at 540/665-4569 or visit www.conservatoryperforms.org. Group discounts are available for groups of 20 or more. This production contains mature subject matter, including references to drug use, sexual content and profanity.
