HBO has aquired the broadcast rights to David Byrne’s broadway show American Utopia. The filmed version will be directed by the Academy Award winning director Spike Lee.
“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,” said Byrne in a statement. “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.”
“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,” stated Spike Lee. “And dat’s da ‘once in a lifetime’ truth, Ruth. Ya-dig? Sho-nuff. Peace and love. Be safe.”
The Broadway production featured Academy, Grammy and Golden Globe Award-winning musician Byrne (Talking Heads) together with 11 musical artists from around the world performing songs from Byrne’s 2018 album of the same name, along with songs from Talking Heads and his solo career. The original American Utopia album, as well as the Broadway cast recording, were released on Warner Music Group’s Nonesuch Records.
HBO has not released a premiere date for the production.
Top Photo: A scene from American Utopia. Courtesy: HBO.
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