David Byrne's American Utopia on Broadway

Following a sold-out world tour, the acclaimed theatrical concert comes to Broadway’s intimate Hudson Theatre for 16 weeks only.

"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.

With staging and choreography by Annie-B Parson, and with Alex Timbers serving as production consultant (his collaborators on Here Lies Love), David 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).

In what easily qualifies as one of the flat-out coolest things to ever happen on Broadway, David Bryne brings his “American Utopia” to the Hudson Theatre. Byrne, who established himself firmly in the coolness mainstream as the lead singer of the Talking Heads, gets the show’s title from his recent album of the same name. On Broadway, however, “American Utopia” will not be a mere concert but rather a full-blown theatrical spectacle.

With the help of production consultant Alex Timbers (who certainly knows a thing or two about spectacle since he directed Broadway’s “Moulin Rouge!”) as well as choreographer and musical stager Annie-B Parson, this form-bending experience features a dozen onstage musicians, and tunes from Byrne’s vast songbook — as well as some surprises from outside of it. Beyond that, details are scarce and the visionary performer would like to keep it that way. “I’m not going to tell you what I think it’s about,” Byrne tells the New York Times. “That’s for you to see.”

The show is recommended for all ages.

What to watch for

Although “American Utopia” marks Byrne’s Broadway debut, it’s far from his first time dipping his toes into theatrical waters. He previously authored both “Joan of Arc: Into the Fire” and “Here Lies Love.” Both of those shows are marked by more characteristically “Broadway” traits, while “American Utopia” is neither play nor musical, according to Byrne.

“American Utopia” also reunites the “Byrne dream team.” For both of his previous theatrical outings, “Joan of Arc: Into the Fire” and “Here Lies Love,” he collaborated with Alex Timbers and Annie-B Parson. However Timbers, here, serves as the production consultant, while Parson is heading up both staging and choreography.

One can’t put a precise finger on “American Utopia” for another reason as well: It’s a confluence of mediums. It was first an album before that album became a touring concert production (which traveled to a whopping 27 countries in 2018), before finally making its way to a proscenium stage for yet another new configuration suited for Broadway.

“American Utopia” will have universal appeal, and not just because of its universal source material. The 12 musicians onstage hail from all corners of the world, across countries and continents. Fortunately, rhythm is the same in every language.