David Byrne's American Utopia

In American Utopia, Talking Heads superstar David Byrne was joined by 11 diverse musicians from around the globe in a “knockout theatrical concert, honoring the pleasures of music, dance and song as collective celebration” (The Hollywood Reporter). Featuring “altogether astonishing choreography by Annie-B Parson” (The New York Times), with Tony-nominated Alex Timbers (director of Moulin Rouge! The Musical) serving as production consultant, it’s “an artistically stunning tour de force” (Variety) brimming with “total, buoyant joy” (New York Magazine). Christine Amanpour said, “It’s all about hope and connection between people. And it rocks.”

Academy Award®-winning director Spike Lee’s acclaimed filmed version of David Byrne’s American Utopia made its world premiere opening the 2020 Toronto International Film Festival and is currently streaming on HBO Max. The film has been called “a life-affirming, euphoria-producing, soul-energizing sing-along protest film that’s asking us to rise up against our own complacency” (IndieWire) and “an all-time-great concert film” (Vanity Fair). The A.V. Club said, “David Byrne and Spike Lee found the spectacle in the performers simply performing.”

Nonesuch Records released both the original 2018 American Utopia album, which inspired the Broadway show, as well as the cast album for David Byrne’s American Utopia, with music and lyrics by David Byrne. Both albums are available digitally and on vinyl and CD: the cast album here, the original album here.

The show’s design team included Rob Sinclair (lighting) and Pete Keppler (sound). Karl Mansfield and Mauro Refosco were Musical Directors. Choreography and Musical Staging was by Annie-B Parson. Alex Timbers served as Production Consultant.