Having seen this intrepid production in its jubilant current form, I fear this NYT-piece doesn't do full justice to the wonderful stagecraft underpinning Mr. Byrne's artistry. There's a lot of moving parts here - a sleek interplay of sound design, light design, choreography & storytelling. The myriad percussion-change-ups alone must make for a nightly logistical-puzzle.
But what a joyous, seamless entertainment ensues - as Mr. Byrne & Co. revel in the funky grooves, sinuous beats and uplifted voices.
And while I missed the touring-concert version of American Utopia, I must say that this alt-Broadway Musical format really suits (no pun intended) David Byrne's artistic skill-set - his mien.
[mien • 1 : air or bearing especially as expressive of attitude or personality : demeanor 2 : appearance, aspect.]
10
Preaching to the choir.
Also pushed our financial envelope a month ago to sit in some great seats for the show. Virtually the entire audience was swaying and bopping for the last third of the show, and it was wonderful. We left on a cloud.
What was thrilling for me was seeing the faces of the performers during the show - a lot of incandescence there, smiling and happy. It sure must be nice to put out a fantastic show in front of an adoring and appreciative crowd.
From way back - saw the Talking Heads in the MADISON THEATER in Albany N.Y. Nov. 1 '78. We were in the second row, and David Byrne's sweat flew on us!
11
Yes! For cryin' out loud, please have him wear a Hi-Vez vest!!
3
NYT : Haven't we heard enough about this show from you already? Sheesh.
2
It never ceases to amaze me that the NYT opens comments on a article like this when it does not do so for many op-eds today. What bizarre prioritizing.
That said, this show is excellent.
10
Beyond thrilled to be coming up January 10th - a day before I set off on a three week birthday tour of Spain, Africa, and Portugal - to have been invited to presence AMERICAN UTOPIA, and find myself in the delightful, deliriously magical hands of Mr. David Byrne.
Many millennials of late attempt to insult me by calling me a "boomer fossil" - those risible kiddies. I couldn't be prouder, nor happier to count myself among those of a generation that produced such truly gifted, visionary, modern musicians such as the incomparably gifted Mr. Byrne!
Many, many years ago, I stumbled upon him at Newark airport when I was just a twenty-something actor trying to find his place in the NY theatre landscape, sporting his outsized Boogie-woogie Bugle Boy wide-shouldered suit. I was shocked to discover him walking straight in my direction, unflappably sporting the thing in public knowing it would draw attention to his presence among we mere mortals. Awed and drop-jawed, I stepped out of his way as he marched past me going who knows where, leaving me in a state of thrilled shock.
The moment, like all of his remarkably original, and jump to the rooftops singing-along music, has lived in the finest quarters of my soul throughout my entire life. I so love this man.
I now teach millennials in high school, and when I play him I always smile to myself when I see the same visceral reaction happening in those who dismiss my boomer class as fossils, as they play air guitars and dance like mad!
8
I’m on my way back to the city to see American Utopia for a second time. A performance to be shared because it’s that good.
4
There are people in the world who just make us feel differently, see differently and hear differently. Frank Zappa was one of them. David Byrne is another. I'm so appreciative of his art and so happy he's touring and people can continue to be a part of the David Byrne experience.
13
Like others (see above) I've been a T.H's fan since 1977 & was fortunate to see the Stop Making Sense tour at the Forest Hills stadium 'back in 'da day'... also saw David B. @Celebrate Brooklyn a few years back: both top notch and among the best shows I have ever seen.
Looking forward to seeing the show.
BTW, I found myself swimming next to Mr. Byrne at my Gyn (undisclosed locale in deference to Mr. B. who deserves his privacy).
Rock on, David, rock on.
2
Take a look at these hands...
1
It is a brilliant 2 hours! Smiling, bobbing, dancing and thosevoncredible Byrne songs backed by brilliant musicians, dancers and singers. We couldn't stop smiling for a week! will be going for the second time in January!
5
Saw the show in Boston, and was entirely unprepared for how joyous it would be, and how unable I would be to stay in my seat. Humanity, voting rights, dancing, and classic music that retains its edge. It’s a must see.
4
David's bike doesn't look road worthy. He needs some fatter tires with tread and beefier brakes.
saw the summer tour version, a bonding experience among those of us attending the Canandaigua show whom met in the finger lakes years as full grown adults after our separate talking heads formative years. memorable to say the least, the gray themes for me hinting at the fascist leanings of the government and prompting a distinct memory of byrne's '83 lyric: "the presidents crazy / did you hear what he said. prescient, perfect.
1
Although heaven may indeed be a place where nothing ever happens, there is, as usual, a lot going on in Mr. Byrne's head.
4
The best show I have EVER seen. Honestly
2
David Byrne is my Hero.
3
I would like to give a HUGE shout out to the show’s choreographer Annie-B Parson. Too often the incredible contribution of women is rendered invisible. Do not make that mistake here- what you are seeing on that stage is the product of her co-equal creativity.
19
Saw this show in Austin and was BLOWN AWAY!!!
I don't think anything remotely like it has ever appeared on stage.
The lights, the shadows, the sound, the choreography!
Pure Genius!
7
Great backstory. The David Byrne concert was the greatest experience at the 2018 Roskilde Festival
6
I have been a huge fan of David Byrne since the first Talking Heads album and saw the American Utopia tour twice. Everyone who missed the tour should see this show, and if you did see it - see it and experience the joy again!
10
Tom, I saw American Utopia twice in Boston. I enjoyed it the first time so much — so many songs I knew from the old Talking Heads albums I grew up dancing to — that I treated myself to seeing it again while they were still in town. So much pleasure!
3
Wonderful show! I danced the whole time and was elated at the sights & scenic ideas, and of course the music. Very democratic set up, too. Way to go, David Byrne!
8
I'm looking forward to seeing the performance and thank the author for the glimpse backstage, but I'm terrified to think that such a national treasure as David Byrne is riding around Manhattan after dark on a bicycle. Protect that man!
26
It is an incredible show. It somehow feels huge and intimate at the same time. I saw it three weeks ago and I still haven't stopped humming it!
10
I loved this show and have been a David Byrne fan since Talking Heads. Amazing artists filled with joy that filled the theatre and spilled out onto the streets!
21