Sufjan Stevens musical Illinoise to open on Broadway

Sufjan Stevens brings his talents to Broadway on 24th April with the debut of his dance-musical Illinoise, based on the classic 2005 album of the same name. Opening at St. James Theatre just in time for the Tony Awards season, the show comes as a limited run, wrapping less than four months later on 10th August.

A coming-of-age story through the American heartland, Illinoise is set to the entirety of Stevens’ original concept album, narrating the journey of a group of hikers who share thier life stories as they huddle around a campfire.

The show was directed and choreographed by Justin Peck, accredited for his work on Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story and Carousel, and written in collaboration with Jacki Sibblies Drury.

“This project has been ruminating in my mind for nearly 20 years, which makes this moment even more sublime,” Peck said in a recent press release. “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.”

The cast of Illinoise includes West Side Story alumni Yesenia Ayala, Ben Cook and Jeanette Delgado, alongside two time So You Think You Can Dance winners Gaby Diaz and Ricky Ubeda.