‘American Idiot’ makes its way to the CAC tonight

Tonight Green Day’s Broadway musical "American Idiot" will make its way to the West Virginia University Creative Arts Center.

This is the first US/UK tour of the show since its year-long stint on Broadway, with its 42nd stop at the CAC.

According to Thomas Hettrick, who plays role of "Tunny" in the show, said he has found the audiences great and has enjoyed his time performing on the tour.

"There’s a great cast and a great creative team … and the music is Green Day," Hettrick said.

All songs are written by Green Day, which Hettrick agrees is an aspect of the show that attracts people who would otherwise not be in tune with the musical scene.

Songs from Green Day’s multi-platinum album "American Idiot" are featured throughout the show, including "21 Guns," "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" and "American Idiot."

Hettrick said the show sparked an interest in Green Day, and after performing in the show, he has purchased a few of their albums and become quite a fan.

"This album has definitely opened horizons for me," said Hettrick. "The music itself has this story in it.

"It’s a pretty intense journey to go through in 90 minutes … the music and the story makes it something that everyone can understand."

The story of "American Idiot," which is an adaptation of the studio concept album, follows three young adults searching for meaning in life.

Charles Isherwood of The New York Times described the show as "thrilling, emotionally charged and as moving as any Broadway musical I’ve seen this year!"

The show starts at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $28 dollars for students and range from $44-$60 for the public. They can be purchased at the Mountainlair and CAC box office locations, Ticketmaster or by calling 304-293-SHOW.

More information for the show can be found at the WVU Arts and Entertainment website, http://www.events.wvu.edu.

As for Hettrick, he said fans are "in for a treat."