How (and when) to get tickets for David Byrne’s behind-the-scenes “Theater of the Mind” preview

David Byrne, a group of scientists and Radiolab co-host Latif Nasser will put their heads together on the eve of Byrne’s new show world-premiering in Denver to divulge details about the mysterious production.

The Sept. 12 event, which will take place inside the Seawell Ballroom at the Helen Bonfils Theatre Complex, is the only chance to see Tony- and Grammy-winner Byrne in person and “go way, way behind the scenes” of the creative process and science behind his immersive experience, “Theater of the Mind,” organizers said in a press statement.

“We are excited to partner with Radiolab and prominent neuroscientists from across the country to produce what will be an engaging and informative conversation raising money to support Off-Center programming,” said Off-Center Curator Charlie Miller.

Tickets for the fundraiser range from $55 to $1,000, and the high-end “premium VIP tickets” may include a photo opportunity with Byrne, cocktails with the creative team, and reserved seating, organizers said.

A pre-sale period is open now for all DCPA subscribers, and tickets are on sale to the public starting on Friday, May 20. That’s the same day that tickets for the production go on sale, with prices ranging from $30 to $90 based on date, time and seating. Tickets for both events will be available at theateroftheminddenver.com.

The show, announced in November 2019 and originally scheduled for late summer or early fall of 2020, has been described as an experimental, immersive theater experience with audiences of only 16 people at a time. It was slated to take place in a massive, Denver-area warehouse integrating both live and virtual effects, and would indulge Byrne — the former leader of The Talking Heads — and co-writer Mala Gaonkar’s exploration of cutting-edge neuroscience and technology.

Given Byrne’s recent prominence — he’s behind the smash-hit Broadway show “American Utopia” running at New York’s St. James Theater — the announcement garnered international attention and was considered a world-premiere win for Denver’s arts and culture scene.

The show was postponed indefinitely in May 2020 due to COVID-based production uncertainties, but in February of this year dates for the project were revived, with previews starting Aug. 31, a premiere date on Sept. 13, and an overall run date at least through Dec. 18, 2022..

The 75-minute immersive experience will not feature live performances by either Byrne or co-writer Mala Gaonkar, according to the show’s website. Off Center is producing “Theater of the Mind” under the nonprofit banner of Denver Center for the Performing Arts — the latter being one of the country’s largest theater producers.

“Theater of the Mind” is scheduled to run at York Street Yards in 15,000 square feet of a former Army medical supply depot in Denver’s Clayton neighborhood, organizers have said.

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