David Byrne says audiences seem 'thrilled' to be in theater
ABC News
As he brings “American Utopia” back to Broadway following the pandemic pause, David Byrne says it's evident how thrilled people are simply to be enjoying live entertainment again
NEW YORK -- Since returning to Broadway's “American Utopia” after the pandemic pause, David Byrne has noticed a few things about his audience: It seems younger, a little more diverse and people are juiced to see live entertainment again.
“They're thrilled, just completely thrilled, to be in a theater, seeing a show, hearing music,” he said. “It's like, ‘wow, did we miss this or what?’”
“American Utopia” had its formal reopening at the St. James Theatre on Sunday, although there were a few weeks of previews. The music and dancing, performed by a barefoot troupe that operates without wires, is the same as before the break. The theatrical concert is a call for hope, connection and reaching utopia. Byrne has made a few changes to his monologues to reflect the times.
Some of the change in the audience composition might be due to Spike Lee's filmed version of “American Utopia,” which streamed while the live show itself was dark.
