"AMERICAN IDIOT has made its way onto the Wilbury Theatre Group stage, and has done so in a triumphant, head-banging, full-frontal assault. And, as the lyrics in the title song suggest, this terrific production has brought a much-needed “new kind of tension” to the local theater scene that has been missing since the show passed through Providence in 2013 on national tour."
- The Boston Globe

*RHODE ISLAND PREMIERE*

AMERICAN IDIOT

MUSIC BY GREEN DAY
LYRICS BY BILLIE JOE ARMSTRONG
BOOK BY BILLIE JOE ARMSTRONG & MICHAEL MAYER

​
DIRECTED BY JOSH SHORT
CHOREOGRAPHY BY ALI KENNER BRODSKY
MUSIC DIRECTION BY MILLY MASSEY

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. The Wilbury Theatre Group production of AMERICAN IDIOT puts those raw emotions front and center in a highly theatrical and thoroughly satisfying rock opera that burns up the stage.


This production is presented with support from
​the Henry Gonsalves Family Fund, and audience members like you,

NEWS + MEDIA

"AMERICAN IDIOT has made its way onto the Wilbury Theatre Group stage, and has done so in a triumphant, headbanging, full-frontal assault. And, as the lyrics in the title song suggest, this terrific production has brought a much-needed “new kind of tension” to the local theater scene that has been missing since the show passed through Providence in 2013 on national tour....All this makes AMERICAN IDIOT something unique: a musical that bears a resemblance to the traditional theatrical artform, but which comes draped in defiance, sarcasm, and youth-fueled exuberance. In this Wilbury production there is enough youth-fueled exuberance to light up all of Rhode Island."
- The Boston Globe

"Wilbury Theater Group kicked off summer with Green Day’s “American Idiot” rock opera, a musical that takes place in the cultural crucible that was America just after 9/11, and there couldn’t be a better theater to take an already powerful piece of art and make it something even more compelling...The 2004 “American Idiot” album and 2010 musical only serve as reminders that there’s still plenty of youthful rage to go around. It’s a feeling that is not only relevant, but incredibly essential, in today’s political landscape, and Wilbury knocks it out of the park. It’s been extended once, and unfortunately, the rest of the run may be sold out, but it’s worth it to see if you can get tickets. This is the Providence theater scene like you’ve never seen it before."
- WPRO

"Director Josh Short zeroes in on the heartbreak and fury pulsing beneath every guitar riff. This isn’t just a jukebox musical; it’sa guttural scream from a generation disillusioned by war, media overload, and a creeping sense of existential dread....It’s a Molotov cocktail of unapologetic rage and vulnerability. What makes this production sing isn’t just the music but also the urgency. You know why people yell? Because they want to be heard. In a world still spinning with uncertainty, American Idiot feels like a punch to the gut and a rallying cry rolled into one. It reminds us that disillusionment can be beautiful, and sometimes, screaming is a form of hope."
- MOTIF Magazine

"Artistic Director Josh Short directs this lively and kinetic musical with devoted passion, choosing a cast of raw talent that brings an earnest and intense portrayal of a large cast of youthful characters in search of life, love, happiness, and, above all, purpose in a tragic and broken world.  All of the leads are strong. Eckenreiter and Boyle belt out their numbers with rage and passion, and Stanton's Will imbues his character, who is stuck at home with a baby, with heartfelt sadness. Jenna Benzinger makes a huge impact...The action never seems to stop, nor does the wonderful Green Day music, which gives this musical its vibrant life and rapidly beating heart. It's an electric night of theatre, and Wilbury once again shows us what raw talent can do in the right setting."
- EDGE Media Network

"Wilbury Theatre Group concludes its season with a powerful, spirited, heart-stopping production of “American Idiot." The ensemble extraordinarily delivers each and every syllable with passion and profundity, courtesy of Josh Short’s sharp, expert direction and Ali Kenner Brodsky’s alluringly uninhibited choreography. The talent on display among the entire ensemble is immeasurable, and each of the leads proves they are up to task. Wilbury Theatre Group’s outstanding production is a 90-minute rollercoaster ride of captivating music, compelling performances, and a telling reminder that the more things change, the more they stay the same."
- Broadway World

"Seventeen-year-old Chloe Cordeiro isn’t your typical high school student. While most teens are juggling homework and college applications, Chloe is also keeping the pulse of American Idiot—the explosive musical powered by Green Day’s iconic punk soundtrack, currently being staged at the Wilbury Theatre Group in Providence. Behind the drum kit, Chloe drives the show’s energy night after night with power, precision, and passion well beyond her years."
- Cranston Herald Interview with AMERICAN IDIOT drummer Chloe Cordeiro

---

CAST + CREATIVE TEAM

Michael Eckenreiter

Elisabet Ober*

Nick Mendillo

James Lucey

Ernie Lau

Perry Barkett

Alexander Boyle

Christine Perkins

Henry Stanton

Justin Voena

Sofia DaSilva

Paige O'Connor*

Jenna Benzinger

Annabelle Iredale

Grace Graham

Chloe Cordeiro

AMERICAN IDIOT
Music by Green Day
Lyrics by Billie Joe Armstrong
Book by Billie Joe Armstrong & Michael Mayer

Directed by Josh Short
Choreography by Ali Kenner Brodsky
Music Direction by Milly Massey

Set Design by Scott Osborne
Sound + Video Design by Andy Russ
Light Design by Alexander P. Sprague
Costume Design by ​Dustin Thomas
Intimacy Direction by Susie Schutt
Asst. Direction by Jeff Ginsberg and Tanya Anderson Martin
​
Stage Manager, Allison Marchetti*
Asst. Stage Manager, Emily Varden*
Asst. Stage Manager, Riley Nedder
Costume Assistant, Arianna Davey
Sound Board Op, Caoilfhionn Farrell

​Technical Director, Dave Carney
Asst. Technical Director, Jason Sall
Production Intern, Z. Ferrara

House Management by Christine Treglia
Volunteer Management by Renee Bessette
​Production Photography by Erin X. Smithers
​Press / Media Inquiries: Niki Healy

​*Appears courtesy Actors' Equity Association, ​the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

ON SALE NOW

2025/26 Memberships

Get your Early Bird Membership for our 2025/26 season and save! Memberships include admission to all 2025/26 Main Series productions, to be announced later this spring, and additional benefits including free admission to additional performances added throughout the year, and access to 'member-only' special events.
​Get yours today and never miss a thing

VIew memberships

SUPPORT

An award-winning, not-for-profit professional theatre company, the Wilbury Theatre Group engages our community in thought-provoking conversation through new works, reimagined classics and adventurous playmaking. We are idealistic, ambitious, and stubborn in our resolve to create theatre that entertains, enlightens, and inspires.

It's the support of donors like you that makes our work possible - please consider making a generous donation today and help us continue to grow.

SUPPORT OUR WORK

---