Green Day's American Idiot

Phoebe Panaretos. Photo: Dylan Evans

'Sex, drugs and rock-n-roll' is not a phrase typically associated with musicals but with Green Day’s American Idiot the Sydney Opera House is rocking like never before.

Following a highly successful run in Brisbane last year, which saw the production scooping up multiple Helpmann nominations, the national tour has raised the ante to create something truely spectacular.

The show is incredibly scarce with its implementation of traditional narrative techniques but there is no question that this is an opera in every sense of the word. American Idiot is a simple, tragic tale of ambition, failure and tragedy on an epic scale with a mokoority of the story told via the lyrics of Green Day’s concept album.

Throughout the show the female cast in particular are a revelation as their strength contrasts brilliantly to the broken, disillusioned nature of their various male counterparts. Phoebe Paneretos as Whatsername especially steals every scene/song she is a part of thanks to her powerful and captivating voice.

Fans of Green Day will love this show whilst typical musical theatre attendees will be swept away thanks to the raw energy flowing throughout the entirety of the show.

Until Jan 14. Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney. $69.90-$159.90+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.sydneyoperahouse.com