![]() This motif, of reaching out and offering up our better selves, suffuses the program. ![]() "Here is a region that is seldom used." But soon, he gets to the heart of the matter and, I'd venture to say, to the heart of the overall show: "As it passes through your neurons. "Here is a region of abundant details," he sings. The opening number, "Here," starts with Byrne pointing out the different structures and their purpose. Byrne sitting alone on the stage, holding up a model of the human brain and remarking on its functions. I'm not exactly sure what he means by the title, but I'd suggest calling it "Start Making Sense." Because even if there isn't a plot as such, there is a theme, one that gently tries to steer our thinking away from the political dystopic maelstrom that threatens to drown us all, and urges us to look to and take care of each other instead. Its aspirational title is the same as that of Byrne's studio album released last year and the national and international tour that preceded tonight's opening. ![]() To be clear, American Utopia is mostly a concert. But the same is also true if you only have a vague recollection from the 1970s and 1980s of his new wave band Talking Heads or Jonathan Demme's concert film of that group, called "Stop Making Sense." Ditto if you only know Byrne from the rock musical he wrote with Fatboy Slim, Here Lies Love. It's just a great audience-friendly performer surrounded and supported by a gifted group of musicians, singers, and dancers, with enough staging and choreography to justify its place on Broadway.Įntrenched fans of the 67-year-old Byrne are sure to have a grand time. This is no eardrum-shattering, pyrotechnics-filled spectacle. Occupying a territory somewhere between rock concert and musical theater you'll find David Byrne's American Utopia, opening tonight for what is currently scheduled to be a three-month stay at the Hudson Theatre. Tickets: David Byrne and members of the company Theatre: Hudson Theatre, 139-141 West 44th Street between 6th and Broadway Cast: David Byrne, 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. ![]() Music directors Karl Mansfield and Mauro Refosco. Associate choreographer Elizabeth DeMent. Choreography and musical staging by Annie-B Parson. Theatre Review by Howard Miller - October 20, 2019ĭavid Byrnes American Utopia Production consultant Alex Timbers. ![]()
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