WTTM
David Byrne’s American Utopia will reopen on Broadway this Sunday, October 17 at the St. James Theater (246 West 44th Street).
Check out the new production photos below!
To mark the reopening of American Utopia, the production made monetary donations to Oil Change International, Hungry For Music and Movement for Family Power. The group thanks the production team for their generosity.
Karl Mansfield said: “The warriors of Oil Change International recognized earlier than most that the era of fossil fuels is over. They have since worked to accelerate the understanding that this most damaging industry must be swiftly dislodged from its role of controlling politics and economies. OCI uses cutting-edge science and unconditional advocacy to advocate for the necessary transition to clean energy – for people and for the planet. “
Angie Swan said, “As a musician, there are few things that I find more rewarding than inspiring young children to pick up an instrument. at school, brings me back to how I felt when I discovered my love for music. Unfortunately, some children do not have access to musical instruments or the opportunity to take lessons. I think all children should have the access and the tools to create. Fortunately, programs like Hungry for Music exist. I truly believe that music is the universal language. It allowed me to see my dreams come true and make a difference in the world. I am delighted to be able to see this gift continue to be passed on to future generations. “
Tendayi Kuumba said of the Family Power Movement: “I come from many quarters of many worlds which all coexist. As a child, I was always curious about other people’s lives, but I didn’t always see how privileged I was to have a warm home and that of my mother. arms to lift me up and hold me through hard times. We live in a world where many children and their circumstances are ignored and rejected. Where the lost are forgotten along the systemic pipeline and must fight even harder to be seen and heard. I believe it is our duty to heal these broken systems and the weeds that come with them. To heal broken families who don’t have a hot moment to breathe out and to know they are supported. I have been surrounded by more friends than I even know who have been affected by the foster care system and they are feeling the effects of a machine designed to ignore the cracks. The more we come together to reduce these issues that tear families apart, the more we can develop a solution to bring them together and imagine new possibilities. “
American Utopia, which recently received a Special Tony Award, presents David Byrne with 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. Company replacements are Renée Albulario, Alena Ciera, Chris Eddleton, Evan Frierson, Abe Nouri and Natalie Tenenbaum.
We could all be using a bit of Utopia right now, and David Byrne’s American Utopia is returning to rock Broadway this fall. This production, featuring choreographer Annie-B Parson, with Alex Timbers as production consultant, started on September 17, with all the great songs, all the acclaimed musicians, and a gorgeous new place to blow up the roof. This is the event that will tell the world, if you want to rediscover the joy of live music, community and connection, the St. James Theater on Broadway has to be the place!
American Utopia’s design team includes Rob Sinclair (lighting) and Pete Keppler (sound). Karl Mansfield and Mauro Refosco are musical directors. The choreography and musical direction are by Annie-B Parson. Alex Timbers is a 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 Theater, Elizabeth Armstrong, Thomas Laub, Steven Rosenthal, Erica Lynn Schwartz, Matt Picheny, Steve Traxler, Len Blavatnik, Nonesuch Records, Warner Chappell Music and Ambassador Theater Group Productions. Allan Williams is executive producer.
Oscar-winning director Spike Lee’s acclaimed film version of David Byrne’s American Utopia premiered at the 2020 Toronto International Film Festival and is currently airing on HBO Max.