American Idiot's Rebecca Naomi Jones Chills Over Coconut Water in Her Backstage Digs

Rebecca Naomi Jones spends her nights head-thrashing, screaming, and rocking out in Green Day’s energetic rock opera American Idiot. It’s no wonder the actress, who plays Whatsername, the love interest of Idiot’s leading man John Gallagher Jr., likes to maintain a relaxing, comfortable atmosphere in her dressing room at the St James Theatre. Jones invited Broadway.com backstage to take a look at her hangout and shared how she makes the theater “feel like a second home.” Take a look!

Photo by Jenny Anderson for Broadway.com


"This is my big ole bag of extra clothing. It has a bunch of work out gear in case I forget to bring something for our big ole mandatory warm-ups. There’s also extra shoes, dresses and T-shirts. You never know when you’re going to need a cute outfit or who might be coming to the show."


"These photos are of my dad and me. When I’m having those days where I’m not feeling the energy to do the show, I look at this picture of my dad, who was a musician and passed away. It reminds me that it’s not my ego that’s important here, and that our performance is a form of sharing and love and all that hippie s---."


"One of the most important things to get me through the show is coconut water. All of us are obsessed with it. I have to drink it before, during and after the show. It’s just the best thing for moisturizing the cords and giving me extra electrolytes."


"I have this stack of notes from rehearsals into previews from [director] Michael Mayer. One of my favorites says, ‘pamphlets were kind of lame’ because [in one scene] I toss out a bunch of pamphlets. I think he’s hilarious. He’s got a very good knack for making things really funny even when he’s being serious."


"My bench cushion is perfect for sleeping before and in between shows. It’s become the communal sleeping unit for all the girls on my floor. Somebody is always sleeping in my room, and I love that."