‘David Byrne’s American Utopia’ Stage Show Set to Return to Broadway This Fall

June 17, 2021 editor@eastcoastrocker.com Musicians 0

David Byrnes American Utopia - Nonesuch Records

By DONNA BALANCIA

David Byrne’s American Utopia will be making moves on Broadway once again, but this time the stellar stage show’s biggest move is its relocation to the St. James Theatre.

Performances will begin Friday, Sept. 17, 2021 and are expected to run through at least March 6, 2022. The St. James Theatre is located at 246 West 44th Street, close to the Hudson where the show ran prior to the pandemic lockdown.

David Byrne’s American Utopia features David Byrne with his returning band members Jacquelene Acevedo, Gustavo Di Dalva, Daniel Freedman, Chris Giarmo, Tim Keiper, Tendayi Kuumba, Karl Mansfield, Mauro Refosco, Stéphane San Juan, Angie Swan and Bobby Wooten III.

“It is with great pleasure that finally, after a year+ like no other, I can announce that our show is coming back to Broadway,” Byrne said. “You who kept the faith, who held on to your tickets, well, you knew this would happen eventually!”

Byrne said that on Sept. 17 previews begin and the company is looking forward to working on the stage at the St. James Theatre.

“The stage is a little wider and the capacity is a little bigger,” he said. “I guess we did alright! Seriously, New York is back, and given all we’ve witnessed, felt and experienced, it is obvious to me that no one wants to go back to a world with EVERYTHING the way it was – we have an opportunity for a new world here. See you there.”

It is expected that the St. James Theatre will require certain vaccinations for entry. Please check with the theatre.

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 Byrne. Both albums are available digitally and on vinyl and CD: the cast album here, the original album here.

Spike Lee’s filmed version of David Byrne’s American Utopia made its world premiere opening the 2020 Toronto International Film Festival and is streaming on HBO Max.

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

David Byrne’s American Utopia is produced by Kristin Caskey, Mike Isaacson, Patrick Catullo and Todomundo with Hal Luftig, Jonathan Reinis, Shira Friedman, Annapurna Theatre, Elizabeth Armstrong, Thomas Laub, Steven Rosenthal, Erica Lynn Schwartz, Matt Picheny, Steve Traxler, Len Blavatnik, Nonesuch Records, Warner Chappell Music and Ambassador Theatre Group Productions.  Allan Williams is executive producer.

Tickets are on sale now at www.americanutopiabroadway.com. Ticketholders with valid prior bookings have been emailed with their performance information. Ticketholders may contact their point of booking with any questions or requests, the company said.