New stars are set for Broadway's American Idiot beginning on March 1 at the St. James Theatre. AFI lead singer Davey Havok will take over the role of St. Jimmy, American Idol vet Justin Guarini will play Will and current ensemble members Van Hughes and Libby Winters are taking over the roles of Johnny and the Extraordinary Girl, respectively. Havok will remain with the cast for a limited two-week engagement.
"I couldn't be more excited that Davey is joining the American Idiot cast to play St. Jimmy. Not only is he a good friend of mine, but I feel that he also brings the perfect energy and air of menace to the part,” says composer/co-author and lead singer of Green Day Billie Joe Armstrong. “The audience is going to freak out.”
Havok has released eight studio albums with AFI including their latest, Crash Love. The group recently toured with American Idiot composers, Green Day. Guarini made his Broadway debut earlier this season in Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown. He is best known as the season one runner-up on TV's American Idol, his two albums and his film and television credits, which include From Justin to Kelly, Gone Country and Film Fakers. Hughes' Broadway credits include 9 to 5 and Hairspray. He appeared in off-Broadway's Saved. His TV credits include Law & Order: SVU, As The World Turns, Sex and the City, Rachel Getting Married and Inside Man. Winters made her Broadway debut in American Idiot. She has also appeared in the Las Vegas company of Mamma Mia! and is a member of the rock group The Fabulous Entourage.
Current cast members John Gallagher Jr. (Johnny), Michael Esper (Will) and Billie Joe Armstrong (St. Jimmy) will play their final performances on February 27, with Christina Sajous (Extraordinary Girl) departing a day earlier on February 26.