Playbill on Tumblr

TODAY IN THEATRE HISTORY: In 2010, American Idiot, the musical based on the Grammy Award-winning rock album by Green Day, and featuring direction by Michael Mayer, opens at the St. James Theatre. John Gallagher, Jr., Michael Esper and Stark Sands star as three friends who attempt to escape from lives in suburbia.

For more on American Idiot, including photos, videos, and a look inside the show's opening night Playbill, visit PlaybillVault.com.

TODAY IN THEATRE HISTORY: In 2006, Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater's musical Spring Awakening, based on the 1891 troubled teen drama by Frank Wedekind, opens on Broadway at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre. Lea Michele and Jonathan Groff star as teens Wendla and Melchior, who are drawn to each other in a world where parents, ministers and teachers create an atmosphere of shame, silence and ignorance. The production will go on to win eight Tony Awards, including ones for John Gallagher, Jr.'s performance as Moritz, Best Original Score and Best Musical.

For more on Spring Awakening, including a look inside the show's opening night Playbill, visit PlaybillVault.com.