Star Tribune - Recommended

"...While "Idiot" isn't as intoxicating and invigorating as a Green Day concert, it's about as exciting as ensemble rock 'n' roll gets on Broadway. Actually, the touring presentation is superior to the New York production. That show had a massive 45-foot-high wall, outfitted with four dozen TV monitors, as its backdrop. It was a stunningly powerful set that often distracted from the actors. At the Orpheum, the backdrop is half the size, but the stage feels almost claustrophobic, which sets the perfect mood."
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How Was The Show - Highly Recommended

"... Green Day’s “American Idiot” is one smashing great show. You’re going to have to like rock, but if you do, you will be moved by this refreshingly original musical. Billie Joe Armstrong (Green Day front man, lyricist and co-bookwriter) is one smart songwriter – and he knows all about dramatic action. The stage version of the band’s enormously successful album has racked up a pile of awards, including a Grammy for the musical’s album, but it missed the Tony for best new musical, although it received a nomination. I’m not surprised. It surely doesn’t fit the mold: it’s too short, it’s too punk and it’s not really a revue or a book musical. You could come up with a pretty good list of reasons why this show shouldn’t succeed in a musical theater format, but it most certainly does."
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Aisle Say Twin Cities - Recommended

"... As a musical, American Idiot takes a soundtrack that’s already dramatic and builds a theatrical scaffold around it, bringing to life the anger and insecurity that comes from having to make life choices when none of the options look that good. The plot and the characters never really break stereotype, but I suppose that’s a problem that regular musical-fans will probably not care about. And for the rest of us cynics, Green Day’s hard-hitting music and cutting lyrics will let you pretend you’re watching substantial theater while actually just rocking out to a kick-ass live concert."
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