With inclusion on several reviewer’s “best of the decade” lists when it was released including those of Paste, NPR, and Rolling Stone, Sufjan Stevens’ acclaimed 2005 concept album Illinois enjoys cult status for its lush orchestrations and wildly inventive portrayal of the state’s people, landscapes, and history, complete with UFOs, zombies, and predatory wasps. This musically ambitious work, which weaves together cinematic orchestral anthems, jazz riffs, and other musical influences to explore wide-ranging narratives about blossoming queerness and self-exploration is expanded upon through a mix of live music and impressionistic choreography to revisit the beloved album’s themes of self-discovery.
Dancer, choreographer, and director Justin Peck has assembled an impressive body of creative projects, starting out as a soloist with New York City Ballet and moving on to create work for that company and prestigious companies from around the world, as well as on Broadway with Carousel and Stephen Spielberg’s acclaimed film West Side Story. The Tony Award-winner embraces Stevens’ album in an ecstatic pageant of storytelling, theater, dance, and live music with a cast of virtuosic dancers, singers, and musicians with a narrative crafted with Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Jackie Sibblies Drury (Fairview, Marys Seacole). Featuring new arrangements of the entire album by composer and pianist Timo Andres for a live band and three voices, ranging in style from DIY folk and indie rock to marching band and ambient electronics, this bold, new music-theater production leads audiences on a mighty journey through the American heartland, from campfire storytelling to the edges of the cosmos.
Jeanette Delgado, a former principal dancer with Miami City Ballet and Princess Grace Award recipient, previously showcased her talents in "Illinoise" at Bard SummerScape, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, and Park Avenue Armory. more...
Gaby Diaz, who made her Broadway debut and starred in the world premiere of Illinoise at the Bard Fisher Center and Chicago Shakespeare Theater, has a diverse background in dance and performance, including winning Season 12 of So You Think You Can Dance and appearing in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story. more...
Robbie Fairchild, best known for his roles in An American in Paris and the 2019 film Cats, brought his multifaceted talent to the stage in Illinoise, showcasing the versatility that also led him to start his floral arrangement business, boo.kay, during the pandemic. more...
Christine Flores, who made her Broadway debut, previously captivated audiences in the Off-Broadway production of Illinoise at the Park Avenue Armory and in its regional run at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater. more...
Jada German, making her Broadway debut, previously showcased her talents in "Illinoise" at Bard, Chicago Shakespeare, and Park Avenue Armory. more...
Rachel Lockhart, who previously performed in the Off-Broadway production of Illinoise at the Park Avenue Armory and Chicago Shakespeare Theater, made her Broadway debut in the same show. more...
Dario Natarelli, who made his Broadway debut, showcased his talent Off-Broadway in productions such as Illinoise, Oliver!, and The Tap Dance Kid, among others. more...
Tyrone Reese, a talented graduating senior from the Juilliard School and a 2020 national YoungArts Foundation award winner in ballet, brought his exceptional skills to the cast of "Illinoise," showcasing his experience performing works by renowned choreographers such as Rena Butler and Justin Peck. more...
Craig Salstein, a former soloist with the American Ballet Theatre, brought his extensive experience to the stage in "Illinoise," further showcasing the talents that earned him the 1995 Grand Champion award on "Star Search." more...
Ahmad Simmons, known for his dynamic performances on Broadway in shows like Hadestown and Carousel, showcased his versatile talent Off-Broadway in Illinoise. more...
Byron Tittle, making his Broadway debut in "Illinoise," brings a wealth of experience from his decade-long tenure with the Bessie-award winning Dorrance Dance and his notable assistance to Michelle Dorrance for her 2018 American Ballet Theatre debut. more...
Ricky Ubeda, who originated the role of Henry in Illinoise, is a seasoned performer with credits including Broadway shows like On the Town and West Side Story, and notable film roles in Spielberg’s West Side Story and In the Heights. more...
Alejandro Vargas, who made his Broadway debut in Illinoise, previously captivated audiences with his performances in the Off-Broadway production at Park Ave Armory and the regional production at Chicago Shakespeare Theater. more...
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