The theatre/dance adaptation based on Sufjan Stevens‘ 2005 album Illinois is headed to Broadway. Illinoise, which premiered in 2003 at Bard’s Fisher Center, is in the midst of its first NYC run now, at Park Avenue Armory, and it opens at St. James Theatre on April 24 for a 16-week run. Tickets are on sale now.
Director and choreographer Justin Peck, who wrote the show with Jackie Sibblies Drury, says, “This project has been ruminating in my mind for nearly 20 years, which makes this moment even more sublime,” continuing, “Illinoise is a coming-of-age story that takes the audience on a journey through the American heartland—from campfire storytelling to the edges of the cosmos—all told through a unique blend of music, dance, and theater. On behalf of my team, we welcome this rare opportunity with full hearts.”
“For me, the thing that makes Illinoise so special is how it allows incredible performers to come together with an audience and welcome emotion and connection with open arms,” Drury added. “It is rare to have an experience, in a public space, that is moving on an elemental level, so we are all incredibly gratified to bring Illinoise to the St. James on Broadway.”
Timo Andres did the arrangement for the production, which features Sufjan’s music and lyrics. The cast includes West Side Story alumni Yesenia Ayala, Ben Cook, Jeanette Delgado, Carlos Falu and Craig Salstein; So You Think You Can Dance winners Gaby Diaz and Ricky Ubeda; and dancers Kara Chan, Christine Flores, Jada German, Zachary Gonder, Rachel Lockhart, Brandt Martinez, Dario Natarelli, Tyrone Reese, Craig Salstein, Ahmad Simmons, Byron Tittle and Alejandro Vargas.