![]() ![]() And then of course, the classic “Once in a Lifetime,” with its “same as it ever was” chant, is a how-did-I-get-here study in midlife crisis. “Bullet” traces a projectile’s path through a man’s body. Part of “Everyday is a Miracle” wonders about heaven from a chicken’s perspective. And they do it all while in nearly ceaseless motion around the stage.īeginning with “Here” and concluding with “Road to Nowhere,” Byrne’s song stack presents existential studies in perceptions, connections, and unusual points of view concerning daily life. Their fine musicianship blends complex percussion/keyboard instrumentals with sharp guitar and bass lines. Often flanked by snazzy dancer-vocalists Tendayi Kuumba and Chris Giarmo, Byrne masterfully incants the songs in his declamatory style amid warm, close-harmony singing from the company. Looking trim and elegant, Byrne introduces the numbers with brief, germane anecdotes. Their often angular and repetitive moves reflect the hypnotic quality of Byrne’s music. As they play their instruments-which are worn on harnesses-everyone energetically dances and travels around the stage in various choreographed patterns playfully devised by Annie-B Parson to the rhythms of the songs. ![]() Byrne and 11 musicians are all barefoot and identically dressed in pale gray suits. Striking minimalist looks enhance the entertainment. Half a dozen American Utopia selections as well as several of Byrne’s greatest hits are among the 20-plus numbers staged as an extremely stylish 100 minute-long concert. Meanwhile, the Hudson Theatre, among the nicest and most comfortable of Broadway houses, hosts American Utopia, an excellent musical event that Byrne has devised from his 2018 studio recording. How producers have not yet been able to secure a suitable venue to give Here Lies Love an extended run in New York is baffling. ![]() The only exception to such ignorance is my fanboy admiration for Here Lies Love, Byrne’s lush and inventive off-Broadway musical about Imelda Marcos that incarnated her life and times as glitzy doings in a disco club. ![]() Photo: Matthew MurphyĬontemporary pop music generally has been a muted soundtrack in my life, so I am scarcely expert regarding the songwriter-performer who lends his name to David Byrne’s American Utopia, which opened on Sunday for a Broadway sojourn through mid-January. Melding rock music with entrancing movement and theatrical flair, American Utopia tickets guarantee a truly singular live experience.David Byrne (right) leads the company of American Utopia. He counts Academy Awards, Grammys and Golden Globes to his name, and has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.Īmerican Utopia is directed by Karl Mansfield ( The Last Ship) and choreographed by Annie-B Parson, with lighting by Rob Sinclair. Having already dazzled audiences worldwide, the show returns to New York for a second round of rock music, theatrical choreography and political allegories.īyrne is best-known as a member of Talking Heads, with his career also spanning work as a one-man musician and as the writer of Off-Broadway shows Here Lies Love (2013) and Joan of Arc: Into the Fire (2017). Taking inspiration from Byrne’s 2018 album of the same name and his extensive back catalogue, American Utopia features a diverse and eclectic team of 11 international artists including Jacquelene Acevedo, Karl Mansfield and Angie Swan. Byrne's theatrical concert returns to BroadwayDavid Byrne’s haunting, lyrical show returns to New York, offering fans of the Talking Heads frontman a second chance to experience his landmark theatrical concert. ![]()
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