Matt Ward Entertainment has barely had any time to put away the high heels and sweep up the glitter of their production of Priscilla: Queen of the Desert before jumping into their next musical project. Something on the opposite side of the musical spectrum, although still staying within the loose boundaries of ‘Jukebox Musical’, Matt Ward Entertainment will be partnering up with HOTA: Home of the Arts to present American Idiot the Musical at HOTA’s Outdoor Amphitheatre from 20-29 October 2022.
In the first big casting announcement for American Idiot the Musical, it has been confirmed that Australian star of stage, screen and music Natalie Bassingthwaighte will take on a lead role in this production, in the role of Saint Jimmy. This role has typically been portrayed by big names in other Australian productions, with Bassingthwaighte joining the likes of Sarah McLeod, Chris Cheney and Phil Jamieson. Auditions are still underway for other roles in the production, and will be announced in due course.
Natalie Bassingthwaighte rose to fame as femme fatale Izzy Hoyland on Australian career-launching soap Neighbours — before topping charts with hits like ‘Voodoo Child’ as electro-punk band Rogue Trader’s lead singer. A presenter for ‘So You Think You Can Dance’, an actress on hugely successful series ‘Underbelly: The Golden Mile’, ‘X-Factor’ judge and talent mentor. Now Mrs Bassingthwaighte will return to her musical theatre roots in the role of Saint Jimmy for Green Day’s American Idiot musical at HOTA this spring.
The musical first made its Australian debut at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) in February 2017, presented by the folks at shake & stir theatre co, before running its inaugural Australian tour in 2018. This production by Matt Ward Entertainment features direction and choreography by Kelley Abbey.
American Idiot the Musical follows the story of three boyhood friends, each searching for meaning in a post 9/11 world. The show features the music of Green Day with the lyrics of its lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong and book by Billie Joe Armstrong and Michael Mayer – including every song from their album American Idiot, with several songs from their follow-up album, 21st Century Breakdown.
We are so grateful to have Natalie as an ally for American Idiot. As MWE evolves we continue to push the envelope to deliver world class, unforgettable experiences for our audience, create jobs that attract national talent and work hard to secure star power; on this occasion A-List celebrity Natalie Bassingthwaighte.
Matt Ward – Founder and Director of Matt Ward Entertainment
