Sufjan Stevens’ 2005 concept album “Illinois” enjoys cult status for its lush orchestrations and inventive lyrics. Tony Award-winner and Resident Choreographer of the New York City Ballet, Justin Peck, has transformed the album, with Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright of 2018’s “Fairview” Jackie Sibblies Drury, into a full-length theatrical performance that blends dance, theater, live music and storytelling into a breathtakingly emotional coming-of-age journey. The album is “Illinois” and the musical is “Illinoise.”

“Illinoise” was presented at the Bard Fisher Center in summer of 2023 as a SummerScape commission. The Bard staging and the off-Broadway production at Park Avenue Armory earlier this year were sold out, highly praised, and “Illinoise” transferred to the St. James Theatre on Broadway this month. Opening night was April 24 and the limited engagement is scheduled to end on August 10.
This morning, it was announced that “Illinoise” has been nominated for 4 Tony Awards including a nomination for Peck for his choreography, a nomination for Timo Andres for orchestrations, one for Brandon Stirling Baker for lighting design, and, hugely, a nomination for Best New Musical. In the days leading up to the Tony Award nominations, “Illinoise” was also nominated for Drama Desk, Chita Rivera, and Outer Critics Circle awards.
I was in New York City in March, a day or so after the “Illinoise” transfer to Broadway was announced and sat down with Justin Peck and Jackie Sibblies Drury.