Direct from two critically acclaimed sold-out productions, the New York Times Critic’s Pick Illinoise is transferring to Broadway for 16 weeks only beginning April 24.
Based on the landmark Sufjan Stevens album, Illinoise “springs to epic life onstage” (The Washington Post) in a “mysterious, deeply moving and unforgettable dance-musical hybrid” (The New York Times) directed and choreographed by Tony Award® winner Justin Peck.
Told through live music performed by an 11-member band, three vocalists and impressionistic choreography, Peck and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Jackie Sibblies Drury have crafted an original story that bursts with feeling. As friends gather around a campfire, sharing stories of first love, grief and growing up, “Illinoise explores the hot zone between childhood and adulthood when emotions can be at their most overwhelming” (The New York Times).
Don’t miss this limited Broadway engagement. “Illinoise throws open a window to the cosmos, and we all turn like hungry wintering plants toward the sun” (New York Magazine).
At the Armory, I found “Illinoise” not only sentimental but downright whimsical. It was intriguing to see three singers walk out on stage wearing enormous fairy wings (costumes by Reid Bartelme and Harriet Jung). Only later did I realize that they were moth wings, because “Illinoise,” with its book by Justin Peck and Jackie Sibblies Drury, is a coming-of-age story. The dancers on stage can be seen as human caterpillars that blossom into human moths. “Illinoise” could be called “Metamorphosis,” but the songs come from Sufjan Stevens’ 2005 concept album, “Illinois.” The switch from that original title to “Illinoise” is not a typo. Chalk it up to the change being another metamorphosis, using the spelling seen on the album’s stylized cover, which read “Come on feel the Illinoise.” Beyond “sentimental,” the other word to describe “Illinoise” is “precious.”
There’s no denying that Illinoise is effective, a large billboard on Adam Rigg’s industrial-slash-forest set announcing the title as well as other information. It may be that longtime Stevens fans need only hear the material they love now presented as dance to carry on about it. But providing the cherished songs with a connecting plot hasn’t necessarily resulted in an instantly graspable tale.
General Rush
Price: $45
Where: St. James box office (246 W 44th St)
When: When the box office opens on the day of the performance. The box office is open 10AM-8PM Monday through Saturday and 12-6PM on Sunday.
Limit: Two per customer.
Information: Locations and number of tickets based on availability; seats may be partial view.
Digital Rush
Price: $30
Where: On the TodayTix app.
When: Beginning at 9 a.m on the morning of each performance.
Limit: Two per customer
Information: A limited number of rush tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Users can set an alert on the TodayTix app to be notified when rush tickets are available each day.
*Digital Lottery:
Price: $45
Where: Lucky Seat
When: Entries will be accepted until 9:30 AM ET the day before the performance, with winners being selected beginning at 10 AM ET and continuing throughout the day as needed. For weekend performances, entries will be accepted until 9:30 AM ET the Friday before, with winner selection following at 10 AM ET and continuing throughout the day as needed.
Limit: Two per customer
Information: Winners will have a limited window in which to purchase and claim their tickets, so those entering are encouraged to keep an eye on the drawing on the dates they have entered. Tickets are subject to availability.
2024 | Off-Broadway |
Park Avenue Armory Off-Broadway Premiere Production Off-Broadway |
2024 | Broadway |
Original Broadway Production Broadway |
Year | Ceremony | Category | Nominee |
---|---|---|---|
2024 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Choreography | Justin Peck |
2024 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Lead Performance in a Musical | Ricky Ubeda |
2024 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Musical | Illinoise |
2024 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Orchestrations | Timo Andres |
2024 | Drama League Awards | Outstanding Production of a Musical | Illinoise |
2024 | Tony Awards | Best Choreography | Justin Peck |
2024 | Tony Awards | Best Lighting Design of a Musical | Brandon Stirling Baker |
2024 | Tony Awards | Best Musical | Illinoise |
2024 | Tony Awards | Best Orchestrations | Timo Andres |
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