Adalita to rock Green Day show

GEELONG rocker Adalita (left) will star in Green Day’s explosive award-winning Broadway phenomenon American Idiot when it tours Australia in 2018. The nationally acclaimed singer/songwriter and guitarist from Magic Dirt will join Grinspoon’s Phil Jamieson and multi-ARIA award winner Sarah McLeod, from The Superjesus, in the shared role of St Jimmy. Winner of two Tony Awards and the 2010 Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album, American Idiot features every song from Green Day’s album American Idiot, as well as several hits from the band’s follow-up release 21st Century Breakdown. The show tells the story of three best mates grappling with the decision to either challenge the status quo and break out of their aimless rut or remain in the safe confines of their urban existence. Internationally, the role of St Jimmy has been played by rock personalities including Billie Joe Armstrong, Melissa Etheridge, Chris Cheney and Jamieson. “I’m so excited to be playing St Jimmy in American Idiot. It just feels like the right role that’s come at the right time,” Adalita said. “Musical theatre is something I’ve done before but not on this scale. I know it can be a really high-pressure environment, but I love a challenge and I’m super-keen to step up. “The songs are incredible, the story is great, and I’ve always had a lot of respect for Green Day. “It’s a massive honour and I can’t wait to get stuck in. It’s going to be a blast.” Geelong triple threat Kyla Bartholomeusz has also been named in the cast. The national rock musical will hit Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre from February 23-March 11. Tickets at ticketmaster.com.au 33 theatre companies put on 60 different plays or musicals during the year, generating more than $2 million for the local economy.