"Illinoise" and the origin of an unlikely Broadway musical

The new Broadway show "Illinoise" is a choreographed indie-rock musical with no dialogue, based on Sufjan Stevens' 2005 concept album. It's received four Tony Award nominations, including best musical. "Sunday Morning" contributor Kelefa Sanneh talks with choreographer Justin Peck, playwright Jackie Sibblies Drury, and musician Shara Nova about the show, an ode to the origins of storytelling and theatre-making.
@IllinoiseOnStage ‪@SufjanStevensOfficial‬
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[@christopherspillman3870]

…and my amazement of Sufjan Stevens continues to grow🏁

[@badwater]

I hope Sufjan is doing ok... I've not seen an update on his health in months.

[@baeb66]

I love that album. I would love to see this show. I hope it tours soon.

[@TheJustineCredible]

Hands down one of my top ten all time favorite albums. Really hope it tours, I'd love to experience it. My favorite memory of hearing "Chicago" was driving back home from PA, crossing into Illinois from Indiana and seeing the sunrise over the city as the song played on a local Chicago radio station. Chicago is where I was born, where I raised my son. To me it will always be home and that entire album is so moving, so powerful. How incredible!

[@aaroncrilly2005]

A Carrie and Lowell musical would hit so hard.

[@abrahambensaad505]

Nooo please have meeeercy😅

[@0.-.0]

Just got chiiiilllsss

[@AaronSmith-kt2fs]

❤❤❤ I can’t believe this ever came to be, I can’t believe CBS Sunday morning is covering it, I can’t believe how talented and amazing Sufjan’s music is, or the insanely talented Shara Nova (My Brightest Diamond - check her out!) is interviewed here, or the accolades and Tony noms. But the most wonderful part of all is hearing that Sufjan was able to attend the show, I just love the man, and haven’t seen any updates on his condition.

[@hummersd]

Loved this show, and hope it does well at the Tony awards. Incredibly powerful, from the music arrangement and the singers' interpretation of Sufjan's work, to the movement and dance language that is very Justin Peck, interpreted by some phenomenal dancers. An emotional ride, they hit the nail on the head with there being highs and lows, and definitely a connection to real life. It really does encourage you to tell your story. Great segment.

[@mikefountaini1]

I saw it on the 20th at St James Theatre in NYC. The experience was emotional in the best way. Everyone involved in the show did an amazing job!

[@mikefountaini1]

As a Sufjan fanboy since the release of the Illinois album and as New Yorker, I’m absolutely ecstatic it’s playing in the city! I’m seeing the show on my June Birthday. Update: Saw it on the 20th and I was blown away! The dancers were superb, the live band did much justice to Sufjan’s music and the singers were immensely talented. I also did not expect to tear up at some parts of the show so be prepared to experience that. Highly recommended to watch!

[@AEF95]

Im not even kidding this looks so good 🥹

[@abrahambensaad505]

Can't believe I'm going!!

[@0.-.0]

SOOOO jealous!!!

[@marybellegomez]

Love this

[@littleferrhis]

I remember listening to the album and was like “this would make a great musical”.

[@igloozoo3771]

I don't think Sufjan fully grasps how although he presents himself in such an enigmatic manner kind of like Bjork, he is so deeply loved by the outcasts and underdogs and Indie of society who willfully do not and cannot be labelled.

[@zahrabelyea9927]

This looks so beautiful. Not the same narrative or setting, but this reminds me of the Kate Prince/Sting collabarative, MESSAGE IN A BATTLE, which was breathtakingly beautiful...

[@RockfordRoe]

DAMMIT, I MISSED IT WHILE IT WAS AT NAVY PIER 😤😤

[@shttc900]

What a unique partnership! It's Broadway's equivalent of Taylor Swift partnering with Aaron Dessner.

[@alexthompson9516]

Sufjan Stevens, everybody's favorite Christian homosexual hipster.

[@AaronSmith-kt2fs]

it’s true. His Christianity is disturbing, but he’s so talented it’s easy to turn the other cheek

[@tiboregoldberger6817]

😵‍💫😱😵‍💫😱😵‍💫😱😵‍💫😱😵‍💫😱😵‍💫😱😵‍💫😱😵‍💫😱😵‍💫😱😵‍💫😱 0:50

[@steveconn]

Looks very touchy-feely Gen Z, but Peck's choreography always good. Good luck!

[@hummersd]

I'm not a Gen Z'r, or even a Millenial, but the show hit incredibly hard emotionally. It's a fantastic work of art and shouldn't be missed (and will only play until mid-August).

[@corndawgqt]

Sufjan is 48

[@mikefountaini1]

Sufjan is a millennial indie god. One of my generations finest. His “Chicago” song was my first Napster purchase 😂 and still in my IPod nano tucked in somewhere in my room.

[@claddagh1826]

if there was ever a show that ryan steele should be the star of, it is this one! damn . . . . this show should pay any amount to get him out of his other contract when he is back dancing again. and honestly, even if ryan is not in the show, the dancer here is super unimpressive. is that ricky something or other? he was much better on so you think you can dance.

[@hummersd]

I love Ryan Steele, and Peck worked with him on Carousel. Ricky Ubeda (also in Carousel) was specifically chosen for this, and does a phenomenal job. Maybe if Ricky doesn’t want to tour, Ryan could do it, but the show is a limited run since Sunset Blvd is due to take over the St. James. Obviously anything could happen and shows could move to other theaters.

[@vamosmaryland]

The snippets of Ricky Ubeda here don't really do the best job of showing how wonderful he is in this show.