Illinoise, the dance-musical based on Sufjan Stevens’ 2005 album Illinois, is headed to Broadway. The show opens at St. James Theatre on April 24, just in time for the Tonys cut-off date. Billed as a strictly limited engagement, the Broadway stint is set to wrap on August 10. Previous runs took place at Fisher Center at Bard, Park Avenue Armory, and Chicago Shakespeare Theater.
The director, Justin Peck, who also choreographed the show and wrote it with Jackie Sibblies Drury, said in a press release, “This project has been ruminating in my mind for nearly 20 years, which makes this moment even more sublime.” He added, “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.”
Stevens, of course, is credited with the music and lyrics, and the arrangements come courtesy of Timo Andres. The cast includes Yesenia Ayala, Kara Chan, Ben Cook, Gaby Diaz, and Jeanette Delgado, most of whom are West Side Story alums. The band and vocalists for the Broadway run will be announced soon.