“Infectious, electrifying. . . guaranteed to energize its audience.”
– Mark Bretz, Ladue News

“A raw, punky American Idiot.”
– CB Adams, KDHX

“Energetic and angsty. . . masterful staging.”
– Rob Levy, BroadwayWorld

“A scorching experience.”
– Lynn Venhaus, PopLifeSTL

“A new era of dynamic clarity and artistic expression.”
– Richard Green, TalkinBroadway

“Fine characterizations and singing.”
– Gerry Kowarsky, Two on the Aisle

Don't wanna be an American idiot?

New Line opens its 33rd season with the powerful, high-octane, rock fable AMERICAN IDIOT, based on the powerhouse album by Green Day, a scorching attack on the hypocrisy and moral evils of American politics, and as the increasingly submissive nature of the American public. It's a show that has become even more relevant today than when it was written.

The thrilling, insightful, iconic score includes every song from Green Day's hit album American Idiot, as well as several songs from their follow-up release, 21st Century Breakdown, with music by Green Day, lyrics by frontman Billie Joe Armstrong, a book by Armstrong and Michael Mayer, and musical arrangements and orchestrations by Broadway composer Tom Kitt. The Toronto Star called the show "the first great musical of the 21st century."

Lost and disconnected in a post-9/11 America, three friends, Johnny, Tunny and Will, struggle to find meaning in their lives. The three men flee the constraints of their hometown for the thrills of city life, but their paths quickly diverge as Tunny enters the armed forces, Will is called back home to attend to a pregnant girlfriend, and Johnny descends into an urban underworld, following a seductive love interest and a deadly new friendship. As each of the three learns to navigate his "alienation," we see in them America's struggle to find a new path in this new millennium, after a long period of darkness.

Praise for New Line's 2016 Production
"Really loud, really raw, really worth it."
– Judith Newmark, St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Some insanely entertaining and thought-provoking
musical theater is happening at New Line Theatre."
– Donald Miller, Alton Telegraph

"This is a real hit, that genuinely rocks the house!"
– Chris Gibson, BroadwayWorld

"A close, sweaty show that feels alive at all times."
– Paul Friswold, Riverfront Times

"So many moments of outstanding vocal artistry
come roaring out at us in the dark."
– Richard Green, TalkinBroadway

"A sensory onslaught that flashes with brilliance. . .
A nihilistic-tinged roller-coaster ride that entertains at every turn."
– Tina Farmer, KDHX

"New Line Theatre’s art provocateurs shake the rafters
in this explosive regional premiere."
– Lynn Venhaus, Belleville News-Democrat