The nominations For the 2024 Tony Awards have been announced. Nominees for this year's ceremony, which will take place on June 16, include; IllinoisJustin Peck's dance musical based on Sufjan Stevens' 2005 album; Illinois, which is nominated for Best Musical, as well as Best Lighting Design, Best Choreography and Best Scores. Despite his intense music, IllinoisHis nominations do not extend to Stevens himself.
David Byrne and Fatboy Slim's Broadway Musical This is where love lies, about former Philippine first lady Imelda Marcos and the People Power Revolution, has also been nominated in four categories (Best Original Score, Best Scene, Best Sound Design and Best Choreography). Alicia Keys, meanwhile, is up for multiple awards for the musical Hell's Kitchen, which features songs from her catalog and is loosely based on her life. It is the most nominated production at this year's Tonys with 13 nominations.
Illinois premiered on Broadway in a limited engagement just last week after previous performances at Bard College's Fisher Center, Park Avenue Armory and Chicago Shakespeare Theatre.
Justin Peck, who is officially nominated for Best Choreography, said in a statement: “I am stunned by this news. Illinois it began as just a quiet whisper of an idea and over time grew through the faith and nurture of the creative team surrounding it. I thank them for their unwavering faith in this vision. We are so excited for this recognition and to be able to continue to share this musical with audiences.”
Timo Andres, the nominee for Best Orchestration Illinoishe said: “It was an honor to work Illinois and help Justin Peck and Jackie Sibblies Drury shepherd Sufjan Steven's great songs from album to stage. I am indebted to music director Nathan Koci, sound designer Garth MacAleavey, and stellar Illinois band, bringing music to life in the most beautiful, heartfelt way night after night. This recognition is as much theirs as it is mine. I'm excited for audiences to hear them in the coming months.”
Additionally, Orin Wolf, an Illinois producer and official nominee for Best Musical, said: “I'm so happy for Justin, Jackie, Timo and the whole Illinois family. We love what's happening in St. James and I hope this recognition continues to bring more people to the theater.”
This is where love lies completed its Broadway engagement last November after a July opening. it was followed by an album released in 2010 of music from the show and an extended Off Broadway run throughout the 2010s. Hell's Kitchen, a collaboration between Keys and playwright Kristoffer Diaz, premiered last year Off Broadway at the Public Theater in New York. It has since premiered on Broadway.
from our partners at https://pitchfork.com/news/sufjan-stevens-musical-illinoise-nominated-for-best-musical-at-2024-tony-awards
