American Idiot: The Musical

From this morning's SF Chronicle:

In the tradition of "Tommy," Berkeley Rep will be developing a stage adaptation of Green Day's 2004 hit album, "American Idiot."

The production will be staged by Michael Mayer ("Spring Awakening"). Its run is set for September 16 through October 11, with previews beginning September 4.

According to the Chronicle, "The band members had already been thinking about a stage version when Mayer approached them, guitarist-vocalist Billie Joe Armstrong says. Mayer's concept and a trip to see 'Spring Awakening' convinced them he was the man for the job, and what Armstrong calls Green Day's "hometown" theater would be a perfect partner. The Rep is 'very adventurous,' he says, 'and their willingness to take chances is in keeping with the spirit of the album.'

"The decision to go ahead with the project was made after a recent workshop in New York, produced by the Rep, with Mayer, choreographer Steven Hoggett and Armstrong, bassist Mike Dirnt and drummer Tré Cool, who founded Green Day at Berkeley's seminal punk club 924 Gilman in 1990. Green Day will not appear in the show itself. 'American Idiot' will be performed by a cast of 19, with an onstage band."