In 2018 David Byrne released his seventh solo studio album titled American Utopia. Then, in late 2019, Byrne tailored the songs for a Broadway show that also incorporated several Talking Heads hits. Now, Deadline has reported that the David Byrne Broadway show, American Utopia, will be adapted for the silver screen, courtesy of Spike Lee.
Participant will be the lead financier and executive producer for the project that also sees financial contributions from River Road Entertainment and Warner Music Group. RadicalMedia. Byrne’s Todomundo and the Spike Lee production company Forty Acres, along with Mule Filmworks, will serve as the American Utopia production team.
In a statement, Byrne could not contain his excitement:
Pinch me. This couldn’t have worked out better for this project. Spike Lee directing and Participant producing—two socially engaged teams, well, three if you count us in the band, coming together in what I feel will be something moving, important, and unlike anything anyone has seen before.
Participant CEO David Linde and RadicalMedio CEO Jon Kamen echoed similar sentiments of elation.
The American Utopia Broadway show is currently running through February 16th at the Hudson Theatre in New York, NY. Byrne and his team of 11 musicians will perform on Broadway once a day, except Mondays, through the 16th, with two performances on Saturdays. Click here for tickets and more information.
[H/T Deadline]