Illinoise (Broadway) NYC Reviews and Tickets

90%

(1676 Ratings)

Positive

93%

Mixed

Negative

Members say

Absorbing, Enchanting, Entertaining, Ambitious, Delightful

About the Show

Sufjan Stevens' album comes alive in a musical with a book by Pulitzer-winner Jackie Sibblies Drury.

Sufjan Stevens’ groundbreaking 2005 concept album, Illinois, garnered widespread acclaim, landing on "Best of the Decade" lists by esteemed reviewers like Paste, NPR, and Rolling Stone. Known for its lavish orchestrations and imaginative portrayal of the state’s essence—incorporating UFOs, zombies, and predatory wasps—this album garnered a cult status. Exploring themes of self-discovery and blossoming queerness through cinematic anthems and diverse musical influences, the musically ambitious work is now reimagined through live music and evocative choreography.

Renowned dancer, choreographer, and director Justin Peck, known for his contributions to New York City Ballet and esteemed productions like Carousel and West Side Story, brings his visionary touch to Stevens’ album. Teaming up with Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Jackie Sibblies Drury (known for Fairview and Marys Seacole), this Tony Award-winner crafts a mesmerizing blend of storytelling, theater, dance, and live music. Featuring new renditions of the entire album by composer and pianist Timo Andres, the production spans various musical styles, from DIY folk to indie rock and ambient electronics. This innovative music-theater experience invites audiences on an expansive journey through the American heartland, weaving tales from campfire folklore to the cosmos' farthest reaches.

Show-Score Member Reviews (469)

72%

Ambitious, Confusing, Enchanting, Entertaining, Refreshing

See it if You can read meaning in movement

Don't see it if You need a book and text to understand storylines

90%

Absorbing, Ambitious, Enchanting, Entertaining, Great Dancing

See it if A show that has no dialog yet tells a great story. The dancing was sublime and the evening was outstanding.

Don't see it if You don’t like dance.

88%

Enchanting, Great Acting, Great Singing

See it if incredible dancing, music. not the biggest dance fan but i was amazed by the storytelling. the band and singers were sublime

Don't see it if need big, bombastic story; can't tolerate the lack of dialogue

94%

Absorbing, Delightful, Enchanting, Entertaining

See it if You like Brilliant choreography, originality, & beautiful staging

Don't see it if You don’t like a show consisting of all dance & music w no dialogue

100%

Absorbing, Enchanting, Great Singing, Profound, Thought-Provoking

See it if You love a beautiful story about young love, with incredible music and are ready for an emotional roller coaster.

Don't see it if You need dialogue because there is no talking- just singing and dancing.

70%

Ambitious, Different, Slow

See it if You enjoy stories told through dance. You enjoy just dance in a show.

Don't see it if You need dialogue in a show. Read more

51%

Banal, Cliched, Didn’T Get It, Odd Choreography, Silly

See it if You like very light fare and appealing looking young actors

Don't see it if If you want substance or something challenging

98%

Brilliant, Delightful, Enchanting

See it if You want a completely unique, beautiful experience

Don't see it if You don’t want to feel things

Critic Reviews (10)

"...a sui generis multidisciplinary marvel that suggests new possibilities"
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Truly in awe of the duality and interconnectedness of the pulse of Illinoise.
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For a previous production

"a mysterious and deeply moving dance-musical"
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For a previous production

"A few instances of more heavy-handed literalism are sprinkled through the piece"
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For a previous production

"Beyond...its few brief stumbles, Illinoise achieves a holistic transcendence."
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For a previous production

"Drury and Peck have crafted something cinematic"
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For a previous production

"Justin Peck’s evening length ballet...has the energy of Jerome Robbins’ 'Fancy Free'"
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For a previous production

"It's extraordinary, it's queer, it's often thrilling"
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Trailer

Creative team

Sufjan Stevens

Composer / Lyricist

Jackie Sibblies Drury