Billie Joe Armstrong Returns to ‘American Idiot’ Musical
In a sign that the Green Day musical American Idiot is still struggling, producers announced Tuesday that they are bringing back lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong for another 50 performances. Armstrong — who performed the role of St. Jimmy for a week in September — will reprise his stint for dates in January and February.
Video: Green Day on American Idiot
After debuting at Berkeley’s Repertory Theater in 2009, American Idiot moved to Broadway earlier this year, beginning previews in March and officially opening the following month. The Michael Mayer-directed musical was nominated for three Tony Awards and won two, for best sets and lighting.
But the show has struggled to bring in crowds. As Rolling Stone wrote in September, “Playing St. Jimmy amounts to Armstrong’s biggest show of support yet for the show, which last week played to half-full houses. (Last night appeared to be sold out.)” After the show, a “massive mob waited for Armstrong to emerge.” Presumably Armstrong’s return will inspire a similar burst of enthusiasm from the band’s hardcore fans.
Video: Green Day’s American Idiot Musical: Meet the Show’s Rocker Cast
Billie Joe Armstrong to join Idiot for 50 shows [Associated Press]