Traditionally, Green Day’s American Idiot is a rock opera circling around three male figures stuck in the quicksand of tragedy, but the show is anchored by a cast of women holding them accountable for their mistakes and addictions.
In American Stage’s production of the popular rock opera, Massaro plays Heather, a young woman living in a small town who finds out she’s pregnant with her boyfriend, Will’s [Nathan David Smith], baby.
“It's not always sunshine and happiness like a lot of musicals show. It shows a real-life crisis and a lot of struggles that happen every day,” Massaro said.
Heather, despite her pleas, is generally neglected by Will as he ignores their relationship and child, and she watches as he turns to drugs, alcohol, and sinks into the comfort of a weathered couch.
Despite the hard spot this development puts her in, Heather is electrifying in her role as a strong, essentially single rock n’ roll-style mother who manages to be effortlessly cool in combat boots while longingly belting out Green Day lyrics.
Originally, Massaro is from Vineland, New Jersey. She earned a bachelor's in musical theatre and performance from the Marymount Manhattan College in New York, but says the best training was “just living in New York.”
The Jersey native started her acting career early. At 8-years-old, she debuted as a background character with an elementary school production of Beauty and the Beast.
Massaro played a bundle of red grapes. A minor role, but a fulfilling moment for young Massaro.
“My best friend at the time was a peanut, so together we were peanut butter and jelly, which was a really bold move for the time.”
She’s gone on to star as Paula in An Officer and a Gentleman in Las Vegas at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, and the ensemble went on to tour 50 American cities. She got her start performing for the Gabriel Project, a New Jersey nonprofit that would put on theater productions and donate funds to charities that benefit African children.
“I don't think that there is truly one role that has changed my life as an actor, but a culmination of a lot of them. I've been very fortunate to play really strong women. One of my favorites was Kate McGowan In Titanic the Musical because she was a real person. There's something really cool about getting to portray someone who you could do a lot of research on,” Massaro said.
For now, the actress has her hands full with the high-energy script and song of Green Day’s American Idiot. Each character in the show goes through an internal (and sometimes external) battle of yearning for something just out of reach, and Heather is no exception.
“I'm so excited to play Heather, I feel like I relate to her in the way that she is at a crossroads in her life and ultimately chooses to make the hardest decision. She's incredibly devoted but when her time is being wasted and she's in a relationship that doesn't serve her she walks. There's something really empowering about that,” Massaro said.
And don’t worry, Heather gets her happy-ish ending.
Ask the Actor
AS: It’s a Friday night. What are you doing?
MM: Friday night, I am normally checking out some restaurants that St. Pete has to offer. I'm a huge foodie and always looking to find a great local spot. Send any recommendations my way!
AS: What do you want?
MM: All I want is the perfect chocolate chip cookie. And to be on a vineyard in Italy. Drinking wine and eating cheese. Is that too much?
AS: Who is your ideal scene partner?
MM: There are literally so many to choose from. I would love to do a scene with Florence Pugh. She's so captivating, but I have always dreamt of playing Robert De Niro’s granddaughter in something.
AS: If you were not an actor, what would you be doing?
MM: If I wasn't an actor I would have been a publicist. I love this industry in all of its forms so to be a part of it in any way and be behind the scenes is a really special thing to be a part of as well.
See what Massaro’s working on next on Instagram at @miacmassaro
About Green Day's American Idiot
Sept 7 - Oct 2, 2022
The two-time Tony Award-winning hit musical “Green Day's American Idiot" boldly goes where the American musical has never gone before. Three friends struggling to find meaning in a post-9/11 world find themselves on drastically different paths. They must choose between duty, family, love, addiction, and brotherhood.
