Sufjan Stevens brings the noise to Broadway. The new musical from the acclaimed singer/songwriter, Illinoisis set to graduate to the Great White Way after sold-out productions at New York's Park Avenue Armory and the Chicago Shakespeare Theater when it opens in St. James Theater in New York on April 24.
The show is set to the songs from Stevens' fifth studio LP, the 2005 concept album Illinois (also known as Sufjan Stevens invites you to: Come on Feel the Illinoise) featuring songs and characters based on the Prairie state as a follow-up to his previous 2003 “state” album Michigan.
Directed and choreographed by Tony winner Justin Peck (Carousel, West Side Story), with an original story by Peck and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Jackie Sibbles Drury (Fairview, Marys Seacole).
His cast Illinois includes: Yesenia Ayala (West Side Story film), Kara Chan (Twyla Tharp Dance), Ben Cook (West Side Story movie), Gabby Diaz (So you think you can dance? winner, Music teacher), Jeanette Delgado (Miami City Ballet), Carlos Falu (West Side Story film), Christine Flores (Dance Heginbotham), Jada German (Twyla Tharp Dance) and Zachary Gonder (Carmen at the Lyric Opera), among others. The singers and band for the show will be announced soon.
According to a release, the show “brings the original story to life, across Stevens' album, with new arrangements by composer, pianist and frequent Stevens collaborator Timo Andres, ranging in style from DIY folk and indie rock to marching band.” and ambient electronics, performed live by an 11-piece band and three singers.”
“We are absolutely thrilled to bring Illinois at the St. James Theater on Broadway. This project has been brewing in my mind for nearly 20 years, which makes this moment even more wonderful,” Peck said in a statement. “The audience response throughout our tenures at the Fisher Center at the Bard, the Chicago Shakespeare Theater and the Park Avenue Armory has been outstanding, and we feel fortunate to continue to share this unique show with future Broadway audiences.”
Peck described the show as a coming-of-age story that “takes the audience on a journey into the American heartland—from campfire storytelling to the edges of the universe—all through a unique blend of music, dance and theater. On behalf of my team, we welcome this rare opportunity with a full heart.”
Playwright Sibblies Drury added: “Supporting the art of each of the artists involved in creating this show has been a joy and an inspiration. For me, what it does Illinois So special is how it allows incredible performers to meet an audience and welcome emotion and connection with open arms. It's rare to have an experience, in a public space, that moves on an elemental level, so we're all incredibly happy to bring Illinois at St. James on Broadway.'
The musical's limited run runs through August 10, with tickets on sale now tickets” target=”_blank”>here. The show is produced for Broadway by Orin Wolf, John Styles and David Binder in association with Seaview and executive produced by Nate Koch and co-produced by Thomas O. Kriegsmann and the Fisher Center at the Bard.
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/sufjan-stevens-musical-illinoise-broadway-debut-1235636188/