Spike Lee-Directed Concert Film of ‘David Byrne’s American Utopia’ to Air on HBO
The Broadway show is getting its own movie adaptation.
A filmed version of the Broadway show David Byrne’s American Utopia, directed by Spike Lee, will premiere later this year on HBO.
“It is my honor and privilege that my art brother, Mr. David Byrne, asked me to join him in concert, to invite me into his magnificent world of American Utopia,” Lee said in a statement. “And dat’s da ‘once in a lifetime’ truth, Ruth. Ya-dig? Sho-nuff. Peace and love. Be safe.”
The original show consisted of Byrne performing modified tracks from his 2018 album “American Utopia,” as well as hit songs from his former band, Talking Heads. The singer shared the stage with an 11-person ensemble, where they danced and carried instruments onstage throughout the performance. The production opened at New York’s Hudson Theatre on October 20, 2019, and ran until February 16, 2020.
“Spike and I have crossed paths many times over the years, obviously I’m a huge fan and now finally here was an opportunity for us to work together,” Byrne said. “I am absolutely thrilled with the result. The Broadway show was a wonderful challenge as well as an opportunity – it was a joy to perform and, well, best to let the quotes speak for themselves. Thrilled that this show and the subjects it addresses will now reach a wider audience.”
The official release date for the Spike Lee-directed concert film is yet to be announced by HBO. David Byrne’s American Utopia is also planning to return to Broadway from September 18, 2020, to January 17, 2021.
Discover More
