Review: David Byrne's American Utopia Unchained On Broadway, A Once In A Lifetime Show of Perseverance

Broadway

David Byrne Performing in American Utopian Unchained On Broadway

For one week only, American Utopia is running a special altered show on Broadway due to an outbreak of COVID19 cases within the cast and crew of the show. American Utopia Unchained is a more scaled-back version of the American Utopia performance that David Byrne has been running for the past several months, but incorporating much of the same music and energy.

If you have seen the original version of American Utopia during either of the Broadway runs, or the film version of the show, it is important to know that this is a significantly different show. Here is a basic rundown of some of the major structural changes to the show.

David Byrne's American Utopia Playbill In Front Of The Stage Broadway St James Theatre

First of all, the cast is significantly smaller than the normal show, meaning less instruments in the band during the show. Many cast members are positive at the moment, so they are stuck with limited people able to perform. This does not significantly change the sound of most of the songs.

Second, there is significantly less choreography, with most songs simply performed with cast members standing in place near sheet music stands.

Third, and related to the previous change, there is little if any lighting during the show, with lights remaining constantly on a simple setting throughout the show. American Utopia, according to a speech by David Byrne himself at the start of the show is facing a shortage of crew members, and this new show was put together in two days, likely necessitating this change.

Forth, and almost certainly the most important factor in this version of the show, is that this show features an entirely different setlist featuring songs from the original show as well as Talking Heads music and more.

Cast of David Byrne's American Utopia Unchained Broadway Bows

American Utopia is an energetic performance that blurs the line between a concert and a Broadway show. American Utopia Unchained is definitely more of a concert than the original show. It is at times a much lower energy show that does not have the same narrative flow as the normal version, instead featuring songs tied together by some less structured humor and stories from David Byrne. Only the final number fully recreates a moment from the original show.

In this way, the show feels a bit freer, more of the moment. It was quickly put together and that gives this show some of its best qualities. It is loose and more experimental, with the cast all having some fun with music. Unchained at its core, is a thrown-together performance done under seemingly impossible circumstances. It provides an entirely different experience than the American Utopia you would expect, but that enables a new experience that could not exist under other circumstances.

David Byrne Performing In American Utopia Unchained On Broadway

American Utopia Unchained is not the same show as American Utopia, but going in knowing that can allow you to appreciate an entirely different performance created by the same people. It is a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience that cannot be replicated beyond a single week on Broadway under the worst circumstances, creating something special amid the chaos of the current moment. It is a fun celebration of perseverance at a time of struggle that by its mere existence is an achievment.


Comments