American Idiot

Extended By Popular Demand!

BEST AVAILABILITY NOVEMBER 12 – 15, 2024  

AN AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE-POWERED ROCK MUSICAL FOR TODAY 

“A near-scientific study of the innumerable ways to give somebody the finger.” -- The New York Times 

“Rousing. Impactful. Heartbreaking. American Idiot ignites the heart.” -- The Wrap 

“This staging of American Idiot is a bold and timely endeavor.” -- Los Angeles Times 

American Idiot is fully accessible with American Sign Language and integrated captioning throughout the entire production. Guests requiring American Sign Language or Open Captioning can attend any performance. Audio Description services are available at the 2:30pm matinee on November 2, 2024. 

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR SNEHAL DESAI’S DIRECTORIAL DEBUT AT THE MARK TAPER FORUM 

Slinging razor guitars, thundering drums, and an anti-hero named Johnny. Not the prelude of typical entries in the canon of musical theatre. But these elements herald a groundbreaking American musical all the same: with the burning passion of characters who yearn for something more, songs bursting with emotion, and a story that dares you to feel and celebrate and hope. 

The music of Green Day and the lyrics of lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong captured the zeitgeist of a generation with its Grammy Award®-winning multi-platinum album, which is currently celebrating its 20th anniversary. American Idiot puts those raw emotions front and center in a highly theatrical and thoroughly satisfying rock opera that burns up the stage. 

This groundbreaking, new production, directed by Center Theatre Group Artistic Director Snehal Desai, and produced in collaboration with Deaf West Theatre, features an ensemble of both Deaf and hearing actors, and is performed simultaneously in American Sign Language and spoken English. CTG and Deaf West have a long history of bold and exciting collaborations, including Pippin, Sleeping Beauty Wakes, and Big River—which went on to have an acclaimed run on Broadway. 

Through powerful performances and immersive staging, the show explores themes of identity and rebellion while amplifying the voices of Deaf and multi-cultural communities. With nods to contemporary culture, this electrifying interpretation pushes boundaries and celebrates the diversity of human experience. Join us for a bold and reimagined take on a modern-day classic like you’ve never seen—or heard—before.   

“To kick-off my first season, I am excited to make my CTG directorial debut at the Taper with a new take on Green Day’s American Idiot. This explosive musical will take on a whole new meaning when we join forces with our friends at Deaf West Theatre, for the fourth time in our history, to tell this punk rock and wholly American musical tale in both English and American Sign Language. Pair that with the timing of what is sure to be a memorable election year, we have the makings of what truly great theatre should be: a show that is timely, resonant, boundary-pushing, inclusive, and electrifying.” — Snehal Desai, Artistic Director, Center Theatre Group 

Produced in collaboration with Deaf West Theatre Artistic Director, DJ Kurs. To learn more about Deaf West Theatre, visit deafwest.org. 

This production of Green Day’s American Idiot is licensed by Music Theatre International. 

“INVIGORATING ORIGINALITY…. SHOULD THRILL GREEN DAY FANS WHILE RECRUITING LEGIONS OF NEW ONES. -- Backstage 

“A true rock opera … the music is thrilling: charged with urgency, rich in memorable melody and propulsive rhythms.” -- The New York Times

OFF SALE

Celebrate the Reopening of the Taper

This production of American Idiot is made possible in part by The David Lee Foundation.  

2024/25 season programming at the Mark Taper Forum is made possible through the generous support of the S. Mark Taper Foundation. 

Join us for our Dining Series featuring Girl & the Goat!  

We’ve curated the perfect night on the town for you! See American Idiot and dine at one of the hottest restaurant downtown, Girl & The Goat! On select performances of American Idiot a limited number of “dinner and a show” tickets are available with a dinner reservation at Girl & The Goat! Your dinner at Girl & The Goat will begin at 5:30pm while the performance of American Idiot begins at 8pm. Make a Reservation: This promotion closes 48 hours (about 2 days) prior to each dinner reservation time slot. Any further questions regarding your dinner reservation can be directed to Girl & the Goat by calling 213.799.4628 or by visiting girlandthegoat.com. 

Join Us for Taper Tastings! 

Be part of the excitement as the Mark Taper Forum reopens its doors with Green Day's American Idiot and an exclusive wine-tasting series. 

We’ve partnered with Intermission Cellars, a California winery founded by two Broadway performers, to bring you an unforgettable experience. Sip wines crafted by theatre lovers, for theatre lovers, and mingle with fellow patrons as we toast the arts. 

When you purchase a ticket to any American Idiot performance between October 2 and October 8, 2024 you’ll receive a glass of wine as you exit the theatre. 

Don’t miss out—raise a glass, savor the moment, and celebrate with us at the Mark Taper Forum!