REVIEW BY MICHELLE BERTUCCIO OF SAYVILLE MACARONI KID
Lately, my husband and I have been dedicating at least one or two evenings per month to spend time together and just recently were presented with the perfect opportunity! On February 15th, we were hosted by the CM Performing Arts Center in Oakdale at the sold out, opening night performance of Green Day’s American Idiot. We grew up listening to Green Day (and agree the older music is still our favorite) but never got a chance to catch their award winning rock musical on Broadway. Green Day’s American Idiot follows three friends who are struggling to find their way. As they flee their small town for the city, the paths of Will, Tunny and Johnny diverge when Will decides to stay home to tend to family matters, Tunny joins the Army and Johnny finds love in new friends and relationships. The rock musical is set to the songs of Green Day’s American Idiot album along with select songs from the album 21st Century Breakdown.
The theatre is easy to find and there is plenty of parking available. We got there early enough to grab some snacks from the concession and even contemplated an adult beverage, but alas, we decided against it. The ushers were great at handling the packed house and quickly directed us to our seats. As the curtain dropped we were immediately surrounded by the sights, sounds and smells of the show. One of my favorite features was the graffiti art on the not one, but two cars they had on stage as part of the set. The band was interspersed throughout the stage adding a NYC street performer vibe.
The entire cast was phenomenal and the final song (my favorite!) showcased the many musical talents of the entire cast, from the ensemble to the leads. Andrew Murano (Johnny), Matthew Paredi (Tunny) and David DiMarzo (Will) embodied each of their characters and flawlessly displayed each ones personality, strengths and flaws to perfection. The ladies of the show were a force when they took the stage and left me wishing for more. However, the major highlight for us was Michael Visconti as St. Jimmy. The moment he took the stage I had an immediate distrust in him – maybe it’s that mom instinct?! Whatever it was, to have gotten that feeling from the first line proves that Visconti and crew were doing something right.
You won’t regret getting a taste of Broadway In Oakdale at the CM Performing Arts Center – especially if you are seeing this show! It was high energy, fun and topped off a perfect date night for this mom and dad. Grab your significant other, best friends or maybe even your parents and grab your tickets today to Green Day’s American Idiot at the CM Performing Arts Center.
Tickets are on sale now for performances through March 14, 2020. Ticket prices range from $18.00 – $29.00 per ticket and can be purchased at the box office or online. Be sure to follow CM Performing Arts Center on Facebook and Instagram for ticket giveaways! CM Performing Arts Center is located at 931 Montauk Highway, Oakdale, New York.
