KSDT @ UCSD

Green Day's powerhouse of an album was released in 2004 as the band's 7th studio. American Idiot follows three kids from Jingletown, USA: Johnny, Will and Tunny.

Johnny, self proclaimed "Jesus of Suburbia", attempts to simply get out of his hometown and American Idiot chronicles his struggle with addiction and loneliness. Will, who had planned to leave Jingletown is informed at the last moment that his girlfriend, Heather, is pregnant, distraught and overwhelmed, he stays in Jingletown. Green Day explores his story as he struggles with his relationship with his girlfriend, his child, and himself. Finally, Tunny manages to leave with Johnny, and the two quickly realize they had very little plan after "get out of town" and he soon joins the military to find purpose.

Green Day's album had several billboard hits, however the rock opera's over arching story is something to be examined and appreciated for the intricacies and nuanced approach to very real, and very serious issues. While this show will not be including all of the songs later used in the broadway adaptation of the album, the story is still a compelling examination of a generation.