American Utopia on Broadway

[VernonGersch]

Posted: 10/4/19 at 5:29pm

I live for David Byrne - saw him at Coachella - loved HERE LIES LOVE and cannot wait to see this show - but I just looked and tickets, orchestra tickets are 329$ 

I have never been to Hudson Theater before  - what are some great seats there?  But why are these tickets so damn expensive. 

I am really on the fence because they're so expensive 

[Pashacar]

Posted: 10/4/19 at 5:56pm

Either of the upstairs sections at the Hudson is pretty good.

That said, not sure if you were on their official site but if you do go there you'll see that most dates' seat maps are barely sold. Given that, I can't imagine you'll have trouble between discount codes, rush, TDF, and TKTS (where the first preview is currently up for 50% off).

[VernonGersch]

Posted: 10/4/19 at 7:09pm

Thanks Pushcar, I did notice that things aren't selling particularly strong - and at $329 a pop I get it.

[uncageg]

Posted: 10/4/19 at 8:12pm

There are some decently priced seats upstairs. I SO want to see this as I am a Byrne/Talking Heads fan.

I sat upstairs for 1984 in the first row. It is cramped. Not sure about the rows behind but I plan to get a seat up there for this.

Also, does anybody know why The Hudson got rid of those packages where you could pay a little extra and you had a drink from the bar and could use the lounge? (I did it for 1984) It had different levels that offered different things.They offer some deal now, but it is way more expensive.

[BIG BALONEY]

Posted: 10/4/19 at 8:54pm

Playbill sent out $59. offers today. Tkts booth has orchestra tickets at $108. tonight, so there are different prices and you don't have to break the bank to see a show.

[uncageg]

Posted: 10/4/19 at 9:27pm

Theatermania has a code out for select dates in October. May grab one of those tomorrow.

[BroadwayBen]

Posted: 10/4/19 at 11:44pm

I saw the show tonight, and I paid $129, and it was worth every dollar.  It's just amazing.   David Byrne seemed sweetly nervous for his "first night on Broadway" but he and all the dancers and musicians nailed it, and they honestly seemed to be having the best time.   It's visually amazing too, with these enormous chains that surround the cast and cool lighting.   It's also moving and takes into account this moment we're living in at times.   The audience loved it too, and the theatre seemed very if not completely full.   I was rear mezzanine and it was a great seat.   The theatre is pretty small, so you can really feel everything.  Well worth it. 

[uncageg]

Posted: 10/5/19 at 12:36am

BroadwayBen said: "I saw the show tonight, and I paid $129, and it was worth every dollar. It's just amazing. David Byrneseemed sweetly nervous for his "first night on Broadway" but he and all the dancers and musicians nailed it, and they honestly seemed to be having the best time. It's visually amazing too, with these enormous chains that surround the cast and cool lighting. It's alsomoving and takes into account this moment we're living inat times. The audience loved it too, and the theatre seemed very if not completely full. I was rear mezzanine and it was a great seat. The theatre is pretty small, so you can really feel everything. Well worth it."

What is the running time? I know I saw it somewhere but can't remember.

 

[Danielle49]

Posted: 10/6/19 at 11:49am

uncageg said: "What is the running time? I know I saw it somewhere but can't remember.

"

Their website says 100 minutes, no intermission! Not sure what it’s running at now.

[VernonGersch]

Posted: 10/9/19 at 9:59am

biting the bullet and buying these expensive tickets.  Does anyone think there will be a different energy to the show during a Sunday Matinee?  

[BIG BALONEY]

Posted: 10/9/19 at 1:44pm

Went to the Saturday night show at 9:00 and it ended at 10:45. I got a rush tix on today's tix and total was $47. Dress circle Row D side seat. Blown away by this concert. My friend did the rush Sunday night and she was rear orchestra.

[Cape Twirl of Doom]

Posted: 10/9/19 at 10:06pm

Just saw the show tonight from Dress Circle row C in the center, excellent seat! Such great energy! The audience was loving it, standing ovations after several of the numbers. I really enjoyed the band with some unique instruments.

[SouthernCakes]

Posted: 10/9/19 at 11:06pm

I know nothing about this besides that he wrote that off broadway show at the Public - which I saw and enjoyed. Would y’all recommend it?

[uncageg]

Posted: 10/10/19 at 12:06am

Are the songs listed in the Playbill?

[BIG BALONEY]

Posted: 10/10/19 at 1:00am

Songs not listed as of yet.

[Cape Twirl of Doom]

Posted: 10/10/19 at 9:38am

Yes, the songs are listed in the Playbill.

[little_sally]

Posted: 10/10/19 at 9:50am

SouthernCakes said: "I know nothing about this besides that he wrote that off broadway show at the Public - which I saw and enjoyed. Would y’all recommend it?"

Yes! Byrne's showmanship is amazing, and it's a really unique experience. Plus you know, the songs are great (and I'm sure you'll recognize more than you think.)

[haterobics]

Posted: 10/10/19 at 10:36pm

SouthernCakes said: "I know nothing about this besides that he wrote that off broadway show at the Public - which I saw and enjoyed. Would y’all recommend it?"

It is definitely more of a concert with a performance art vibe than a show with a narrative or anything, at least based on what I saw him touring...

[Jay Lerner-Z]

Posted: 10/11/19 at 12:57pm

Listen to the American Utopia album, released last year. If you like that, you'll probably like the show. 

[haterobics]

Posted: 10/11/19 at 1:37pm

Can anyone who saw the tour confirm whether this is pretty much the same show, or has Alex Timbers added new elements worth checking out?

[theNYCpro]

Posted: 10/11/19 at 2:39pm

It's very similar to the tour, even including the appeal to vote and the Janelle Monae cover toward the end. He did add a few songs though which I was thrilled to hear (in the spoiler tab below in case you want to be surprised!). The stage is smaller from the tour stop I saw (Kings Theater in Brooklyn) so the choreo seemed tighter (both in crispness and spatially). Phenomenal performance which I hope to revisit a few times during this run!

 

Click Here To Toggle Spoiler Content

New songs added for Broadway run:

Don't Worry About the Government - Talking Heads from More Songs About Buildings and Food

Road to Nowhere - Talking Heads from Little Creatures

Glass, Concrete and Stone - David Byrne from Grown Backwards

One Fine Day - David Byrne & Brian Eno from Everything that Happens Will Happen Today

 

[uncageg]

Posted: 10/11/19 at 2:48pm

Jay Lerner-Z said: "Listen to the American Utopia album, released last year. If you like that, you'll probably like the show."

I have listened to the album a few times. Not something I would play a lot but I like it and I like him. I keep thinking that it would really sound good, oreven better, live. 

 

[Jay Lerner-Z]

Posted: 10/11/19 at 2:54pm

You're right to think that, uncageg. The live musicians and amplified sound quality on the tour was so good...I'm sure David has made sure it's of the same standard on Broadway.

[theaterdarling]

Posted: 10/11/19 at 3:48pm

uncageg said: "Jay Lerner-Z said: "Listen to the American Utopia album, released last year. If you like that, you'll probably like the show."

I have listened to the album a few times. Not something I would play a lot but I like it and I like him. I keep thinking that it would really sound good, oreven better, live"

For clarification, the show contains song other than those on the 'American Utopia" album that released in March 2018, so, in my mind, liking or not liking the album may not necessarily be an accurate measure of whether one would like or not like the show.  In contrast, (and for others similarly situated) I had never listened to the album and I adored the show. I also think you could think the album was so-so and still love the show given the large part various production elements (like choreography) and other Byrne/Talking Heads songs play in the stage show. I think you just have to be open to Byrne's vibe and performance art sensibility. If you already like him, then the show probably is for you, but for those who didn't love the album, I wouldn't rule out seeing the show.. It is a unique, uplifting ride. Even songs I was not familiar with instantly grabbed me and provided a satisfying artistic whole.

[Jay Lerner-Z]

Posted: 10/11/19 at 3:56pm

^ Sure, that's more than reasonable. I was just suggesting the album as a good starting point. 

 

Click Here To Toggle Spoiler Content

According to setlist.fm, just six of the 24 performed song are from the American Utopia album.

 

Updated On: 10/11/19 at 03:56 PM