VideoWatch David Byrne Talk Modifying American Utopia, Why the Cast Wears Suits, What Was Worse About 1970s New York, MoreFormer Talking Heads frontman Byrne appeared on Late Night With Seth Meyers.
By
Andrew Gans
January 04, 2022
Former Talking Heads frontman David Byrne appeared on Late Night With Seth Meyers January 3. The award-winning musician spoke about reworking his Tony-honored Broadway show, American Utopia, which resumed performances December 28 at the St. James Theatre with a modified program due to breakthrough COVID-19 cases within the company.
Byrne told host Meyers that audiences "really want to be together. They really want to express themselves and have a good time." The musician also spoke about why the cast wears gray suits; what was worse about 1970s New York; his upcoming book of artwork created during the pandemic; and when he originally met Spike Lee, who filmed American Utopia for HBO Max. Watch the full interview above.
Byrne also gave a shout out to American Utopia percussionist GustavoDiDalva, who is a guest drummer/percussionist with the 8G Band throughout the week on Late Night.
American Utopia featuresByrne with band members Jacquelene Acevedo, Di Dalva, Daniel Freedman, Chris Giarmo, Tim Keiper, Tendayi Kuumba, Karl Mansfield, Mauro Refosco, Stéphane San Juan, Angie Swan, and Bobby Wooten III. The company standbys are Renée Albulario, Alena Ciera, Chris Eddleton, Evan Frierson, Abe Nouri, and Natalie Tenenbaum.
Under the guidance of production consultant Alex Timbers (Moulin Rouge!), the show features lighting design by Rob Sinclair, sound design by Pete Keppler, and musical direction by Karl Mansfield and Mauro Refosco. Annie-B Parson provides choreography and musical staging.
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Check Out New Photos of the Broadway Return of David Byrne's American Utopia