American Idiot at Cadillac Palace Theatre

Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended

"..."American Idiot" feels fresh, raw and angry. But the material also is fused with a deep sense of longing. Green Day has plenty of punk bonafides but could also write what theater people think of as sticky melodies. That explains why "Wake Me Up Before September Ends" and "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" play in my head as I write."

Chicago Sun Times - Somewhat Recommended

"...A blaring show-choir romp through countless rock stereotypes and clueless affectations - punk kids do not dance like this - the show, now at the Cadillac Palace for a weeklong return engagement, is a musical in name only. The songs are stitched together by the thinnest of plots, and what narrative exists is difficult to discern. But there are 30 video screens and seizure-inducing strobes! This is a very Broadway idea of rock and roll. It's "Rent" on steroids."

Centerstage - Not Recommended

"...If you've ever wondered what it's like to have an arcade pinball machine sing aggressively at you for 90 straight minutes, then head on down to Cadillac Palace and check out Greenday's "American Idiot." It's a cacophony of flashing lights, strumming guitars, acrobatic head bangs and about as much discernible humanity as a popsicle stick. "American Idiot" is loud, it's fast and it's dumb. It would be a perfect encapsulation of punk rock if it weren't falling over itself so desperately to be adored, like if you had a Sex Pistols cover band fronted by the entire cast of Glee."

ShowBizChicago - Recommended

"...The biggest asset of this tour is Alex Nee, a Northwestern student, who commands the stage both vocally and in his innate ability to communicate his angst with the audience. Alyssa DiPalma (Whatshername), Thomas Hettrick (Tunny), Casey O'Farrell (Will) and Jenna Rubah (The Extraordinary Girl) all create truthful and moving characters, allowing the amazing lyrics of Green Day's songs to shape their acting choices. That is something I'm sure director Michael Mayer instilled in this company."

Around The Town Chicago - Somewhat Recommended

"...It wasn’t that long ago, when I was first witness to Green Day’s “American Idiot” (February, 2012) and at that time, I gave it three stars, but this new production, although filled with great voices, does not have the same quality of production , so I could not give it a higher rating. Yes, there is some solid talent, and lots of glitzy lights, but despite the music of Green Day, the story does not come out as well as it did last time. This might be due to the extra volume and the flashing lights, but it was hard to concentrate on the story."