American Utopia 2020

Run Time:
One hour and 40 minutes, with no intermission
Ages: 8+
Opened: October 20, 2020
Closing: February 16, 2020

American Utopia - 2020 - Broadway History , Info & More

Hudson Theatre (Broadway)
141 W. 44th St. New York, NY

David Byrne's American Utopia delivers "an experience unlike anything else" (Billboard) and marks a major cultural milestone in the worlds of music and theater. Innovative pop/rock icon David Byrne (Talking Heads, Here Lies Love) shares the spotlight with a diverse ensemble of 11 musical artists from around the globe.

Together with production consultant Alex Timbers and choreographer Annie-B Parson (his collaborators on Here Lies Love), Byrne and ensemble deliver "a marvel of staging and motion" (Chicago Tribune) that's as surprisingly poignant as it is supremely funky. Don't miss this "thought-provoking example of the power of live music" (Forbes).

American Utopia began as an album that David Byrne released on Nonesuch Records in March 2018. The recording was his first to reach number 1 on the Album Chart and was also his first to reach the Top Five on the Billboard 200 chart. The theatrical concert, which includes songs from American Utopia along with songs from Talking Heads and his solo career, played more than 150 dates in 27countries over nine months in 2018.

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PREVIEW American Utopia - 2020 - Broadway

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FEATURED REVIEWS FOR American Utopia

‘David Byrne’s American Utopia’ Broadway Review: Stop Making Sense, Start Making Music
8 / 10

They sound terrific, which is another smart move because the 67-year-old Byrne, never the strongest vocalist, can warble a bit on sustained notes. The song list is old and new, from Kurt Schwitters' nearly decade old 'Primeval Sonata' with its Dadaesque lyrics to a Janelle Monáe protest song that he asked permission to cover after hearing the hip-hop and R&B chanteuse perform it at the Women's March. Yes, he includes plenty of Talking Heads hits to get fans on their feet. Byrne has a showman's command of the stage, but you may ask yourself why he bothered with his between-song riffs about the science of neural connections or pro forma shout-outs to progressive causes ('We're all immigrants!' 'Register to vote!'). During these lulls, which are at least mercifully brief, you may be tempted to cry out: Stop making sense! Start making more music!

BUSINESS BREAKING NEWS Broadway Review: ‘David Byrne’s American Utopia’ Seeks Paradise, No Wires Attached
8 / 10

Featuring songs from his chart-topping 2018 album that gives the show its title, American Utopia (in case you're wondering) also includes a crowd-pleasing selection of hits from his Talking Heads days, flawlessly performed by Byrne and an onstage ensemble of 11. In fine voice (if he's lost any range over the years, it's unnoticeable beneath an ear-catching blend of Bowie croon and Dylan whine), Byrne remains a constant traveler of his own rabbit holes, and it becomes our job and pleasure to keep up.

David Byrne's AMERICAN UTOPIA Will Be Adapted Into a Book
by Nicole Rosky - March 23, 2020


David Byrne's American Utopia, which is scheduled to return to Broadway in the fall, will be adapted in to a book, according to the Associated Press. Byrne will work with author and illustrator Maira Kalman, who also collaborated with him on the stage production.

David Byrne's AMERICAN UTOPIA Will Return to Broadway This Fall
by Stephi Wild - February 16, 2020


David Byrne's American Utopia is headed back to Broadway this fall!

AMERICAN UTOPIA Ends Broadway Run Tonight
by Stephi Wild - February 16, 2020


David Byrne's American Utopia plays its final Broadway performance tonight, February 16. Its limited run officially opened at the Hudson Theatre on October 20.

Spike Lee to Direct Filmed Version of DAVID BYRNE'S AMERICAN UTOPIA
by A.A. Cristi - January 31, 2020


Academy Award-winning director Spike Lee is signed on to direct a filmed version of the acclaimed Broadway show, David Byrne's American Utopia.

Photo Coverage: AMERICAN UTOPIA's David Byrne Celebrates New Sardi's Portrait
by Nicole Rosky - January 30, 2020


David Byrne, currently burning down the house on Broadway in David Byrne's American Utopia, was just honored with one of Sardi's legendary portraits. BroadwayWorld is taking you inside the special event below!

VIDEO: David Byrne Had Jerry Seinfeld Improve a Joke in AMERICAN UTOPIA
by Kaitlin Milligan - January 7, 2020


David Byrne stopped by Late Night with Seth Meyers on Monday night to talk about his show American Utopia. He shares with Meyers the surprises that have come with performing on Broadway and engaging with audiences.

VIDEO: David Byrne Talks AMERICAN UTOPIA and More on CBS SUNDAY MORNING
by Stephi Wild - January 5, 2020


David Byrne was featured on this morning's episode of CBS Sunday Morning. His Broadway show American Utopia was just one of many topics the performer covered.

David Byrne's AMERICAN UTOPIA Adds Three Performances on Broadway
by Chloe Rabinowitz - November 26, 2019


The critically acclaimed David Byrne's American Utopia has added three performances on Monday, December 30 at 8pm, Tuesday, February 4 at 8pm and Tuesday, February 11 at 8pm. The show opened to rave reviews on October 20 and must close Sunday, February 16 at the intimate Hudson Theatre on Broadway.

Win a Chance to Meet David Byrne at AMERICAN UTOPIA
by Chloe Rabinowitz - November 20, 2019


Once in awhile, various things one has been working on for years have an opportunity to converge, separate strands meet, and it all falls into place. As if they'd always been meant to come together. When I recorded the songs for my American Utopia album, it occurred to me that they would be exciting to play livea?"and I realized that a lot of my older material would fit right in. I imagined a live showa?? I pictured a lot of drummers, a kind of drumline/samba school/second line, that would create the rhythms. I had this vision of how exciting that would be, both for me and for an audience. Now as I bring that vision to Broadway, I want you to join me!

VIDEO: DAVID BYRNE'S AMERICAN UTOPIA Performs 'Road to Nowhere' on THE TONIGHT SHOW
by Kaitlin Milligan - November 20, 2019


On last night's episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, David Byrne gives a special performance of 'Road to Nowhere' with the cast of the Broadway musical David Byrne's American Utopia for the audience.

David Byrne And Writer Mala Gaonkar To Premiere New Immersive Theatre Experience THEATER OF THE MIND
by A.A. Cristi - November 7, 2019


The Denver Center for the Performing Arts Off-Center is excited to announce the world premiere immersive production, Theater of the Mind, coming to Denver in August 2020 co-created by Talking Heads frontman David Byrne and writer Mala Gaonkar. 

VIDEO: David Byrne Performs AMERICAN UTOPIA's 'One Fine Day' With Brooklyn Youth Chorus
by Kaitlin Milligan - October 23, 2019


Last night, David Byrne, who's show American Utopia is currently on Broadway, performed the song 'One Fine Day' with The Brooklyn Youth Chorus the Brooklyn Academy of Music on Jimmy Kimmel Live.

AMERICAN UTOPIA Extends Through February 16
by Julie Musbach - October 23, 2019


The critically acclaimed David Byrne's American Utopia has been extended by popular demand. Originally scheduled to run through January 19, the show opened to rave reviews on October 20 and will now play through Sunday, February 16 when it must close at the intimate Hudson Theatre on Broadway.

AMERICAN UTOPIA Original Cast Recording is Available Now
by Stephi Wild - October 22, 2019


The cast album for the critically acclaimed Broadway production of David Byrne's American Utopia, has been released today, with music and lyrics by David Byrne. It is available now via the Nonesuch Store, iTunes, Amazon, Apple Music, Spotify, and other digital service providers. The two-CD version will be released on November 22 and is available to pre-order in the Nonesuch Store; a vinyl edition will be available this winter. The cast recording track list is below.

TV: AMERICAN UTOPIA Celebrates a Rockin' Opening Night on Broadway!
by TV - Opening Night Special - October 21, 2019


David Byrne's American Utopia just celebrated opening night yesterday, October 20 at the intimate Hudson Theatre on Broadway. BroadwayWorld was there for the big night and we're taking you inside the festivities below!

Photo Coverage: On the Opening Night Red Carpet of AMERICAN UTOPIA on Broadway!
by Jennifer Broski - October 21, 2019


David Byrne's American Utopia just celebrated opening night yesterday, October 20 at the intimate Hudson Theatre on Broadway. BroadwayWorld was there for the big night and we're taking you to the star-studded red carpet below!

Photo Coverage: David Byrne and the Company of AMERICAN UTOPIA Celebrate Opening Night!
by Jennifer Broski - October 21, 2019


David Byrne's American Utopia just celebrated opening night yesterday, October 20 at the intimate Hudson Theatre on Broadway. BroadwayWorld was there for the big night and we're taking you inside the festivities below!

American Utopia FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What productions of American Utopia have there been?
American Utopia has had 2 productions including Broadway which opened in 2020 and Broadway which opened in 2021.

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