The American Idiot musical follows three frustrated men at a crucial time of their lives living in America during the Iraqi War. Johnny, Tunny, and Will played each have a common path goal. These best friends want to get away from their small town and escape the expectations of society. To rebel and essentially, be free.
Who are you and what is your role in the show?:
Isaak Koorey - Johnny
Jade Fleming - Extraordinary Girl
Nathaniel Lawson - Tunny
Tell us about yourselves!:
Koorey: I've been doing theatre for approx. 8 years through my local musical society in Dural and some school productions. In contrast to the theatre I am pursuing a career in healthcare as a nurse at Hornsby Hospital. The theatre is my safe place and outlet from everyday life and is where I feel most at home. I love being a part of such an awesome and talented group of people!
Fleming: Outside of musical theatre, I have been able to pursue my passion for music through being a part of many corporate cover bands in venues across Sydney, Melbourne and internationally in the US and UAE. I'm very passionate about sound and hearing so am blessed to work in project management for hearing research innovation.
Lawson: I've been doing shows for about 8 years, having been involved in ~20 shows in some capacity. I spent most of my time during my 'Bachelors of Psychology' at Macquarie with MacMS (the musical society on campus); I also directed Law Revue 2023 at Macquarie which is one of my proudest achievements. I've done 2 shows with Packemin, 'Wicked' and 'Mamma Mia', as a part of the ensemble and have been doing dance since I was 6 years old.
What can audiences look forward to when they come to see the show?
Koorey: This show is completely different to any show I've been apart of, for all the right reasons! Audiences can expect a relentless, energy filled experience through the geniusness of Green Day's lyricism and instrumentation. We all cannot wait for audiences to be a part of the experience that we have all loved so much.
Fleming: The audience can look forward to the exceptionally talented and diverse cast performing this high octane show - Green Day's music and the show's theme is politically charged, confronting and full of treasured songs that are still very relevant with the landscape today.
Lawson: Seeing a show where everyone who is on stage is passionate about the music, the stories and the show itself.
How has the rehearsal process been?
Koorey: The rehearsal process has been so much fun for me as I have always been busy and been able to explore my character at depth each time I was in the rehearsal space. The production team have put in so much time to make us look amazing on stage and bring this thing together.
Fleming: The rehearsal process has been an absolute blast - the production team at PACA have brought their clear vision for American Idiot with all guns blazing to deliver the high-octane show. We have been so lucky to have a cast that is so diverse and over the weeks we have bonded into a very tightknit group - I am richer for having been involved in this experience and I know the audience will feel the same.
Lawson: I have grown such a meaningful connection to Tunny over this rehearsal period. He holds snippets of so many things and people that have been important to me throughout my life challenging me to bring my earnest self to the stage.
What do you like about the show? Why did you choose to be involved?
Koorey: This show was the perfect combination of my passions. As a lover of rock and theatre, this show is everything I could ever ask for and 'Johnny' is an absolute dream. As well as that, I had heard awesome things about PACA and their previous show so I was super excited to be a part of their next production.
Fleming: For me, this has been a dream show to be involved in - Green Day's music has always held a special place in my heart and it's been a real privilege to work with such an extraordinary cast and production team.
Lawson: Quite often I find jukebox musicals jarring and unfriendly to appropriate story development; an aspect in which 'American Idiot' differs. The divergence and eventual convergence of the 3 main story lines leads to a show that demonstrates the intrigue of how people can have similar goals but completely different methods and outcomes. Also I like Green Day :)
Other than yourself, which cast member do you think audiences should keep an eye out for? Who is really bringing it?
Koorey: My favourite is Cameron as 'Will'. Cameron's character is on stage the entirety of the show and is constantly in character which is super hard to do but he absolutely nails it. Cam is also an insanely talented and raw vocalist and really brings the character of 'Will' to life.
Fleming: Audience members should watch out for Nathaniel Lawson who plays the role of Tunny, one of the three best friends who long for a life outside suburbia. Nathaniel is an exceptionally talented performer who adds rich dimension to the role of Tunny, who goes to war, loses purpose and finds it once again.
Lawson: Rachel Bendeich has put a level of commitment and research into her character Heather that reveals itself within the detail of the confliction she faces throughout the show. While we are on stage together, it's often difficult to not pass a glance at her story unfolding across from me despite the fact we are in seperate story lines.
What do you want the audience to think about? What is the message of the show?
Koorey: I hope the audience reflects on the importance of staying true to oneself amidst societal pressures and the challenges of growing up. The show is a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there's a path to finding purpose and connection.
Fleming: American Idiot is ultimately about waking up. The dramatic climax for these characters, the moment they decide. to engage their lives, is captured in the song 'Wake Me Up When September Ends' at the end of which Johnny says to himself - or is it us? - "Time to wake up."
Lawson: Actions and intentions can often be at odds and just because one is good doesn't ultimately mean that they have done good.
PACA'S production of American Idiot runs from the 27th of September to the 12th of October 2024. For ticking and further information click this link
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