Stanley Theater To Host “American Idiot”

Utica, NY (WIBX) - Utica's Stanley Theater is once again bringing a big show to Central New York.

Green Day's, "American Idiot," is making its off Broadway debut at the Stanley, Wednesday night. For the second time this year, Utica is serving as the tech city for a nationally touring musical.

Van Hughes plays Johnny, one of the main characters in the musical. He explained what the show is about.

"It's essentially the story of three guys that live in Surburbia and they're tired of their hum-drum lives," Hughes said. "They decide to move to the big city to pursue their dreams and find out what life can be all about and find more meaning in their lives."

Hughes said everyone should be able to walk away from the show with a new outlook on life.

John Fehlner, Executive Director of the Broadway Theater League, says when productions like this are great for Utica.

"This is our second tech show this year, so obviously, we have a goal of trying to keep tech shows coming to the area, just because it means so much," Fehlner said. "It helps to rent out the venue for that many extra days and puts us on the map for being a place shows can come to."

According to Fehlner, the production is expected to generate between 850-thousand and 1-million dollars for Utica and the surrounding areas.

Tickets for "American Idiot" are still available through the Stanley Theater. Both Wednesday and Thursday nights performances start at 7:30 p.m.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.BroadwayUtica.com.