Exciting news for Australian fans as it was announced that Chris Cheney of The Living End would be stepping into the role of "St. Jimmy" in the American Idiot musical debuting at Queensland Performing Arts Centre on 23 February. Of course this is the same role Billie Joe played in the NYC Broadway version (here are some photos), and he also signed on to play the part in the movie. Chris will be joined onto the AI Musical cast by Phil Jamieson from the band Grinspoon.

From Broadway World:
[quote]Nick Skubij, Artistic Director, shake & stir theatre co said he is thrilled to announce the amazing line up of Australian artists secured for the national premiere of Green Day's American Idiot. "We had over 600 people from across the nation audition for parts and believe we have on board a collection of the most authentic and talented performers. Who better to portray this electric story than actual rock stars themselves? We are stoked to have two iconic Australian band front men, Chris Cheney and Phil Jamieson, along with a hugely talented group of young musical theatre stars and an acclaimed creative team," he said.[/quote]

The full list of cast members can be found at AmericanIdiotLive.com.au.

Check out the full announcement over at Broadway World and check out the Australia American Idiot site (warning, they auto-play two YouTube videos ... tsk tsk).

Side note: The Living End is awesome. Just in case you didn't know about them and needed a good band to listen to.