Illinoise (Broadway) NYC Reviews and Tickets

90%

(1559 Ratings)

Positive

92%

Mixed

Negative

Members say

Absorbing, Enchanting, Ambitious, Entertaining, 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 (351)

90%

Absorbing, Great dancing, Thought-provoking, Masterful, Exquisite

See it if You enjoy dance. No dialogue, mostly ethereal music from a small band and three singers guide a gorgeous dance story. Moving.

Don't see it if You’re looking for a traditional musical or play. This is neither. The story is told entirely through song and dance. Beautiful but subtle. Read more

89%

Creative, Lyrical, Great dancing & choreo, Great singing, Great staging

See it if interested in a dance forward performance perfectly aligned with S Stevens terrific music performed with passion, intelligence & heart. Wow

Don't see it if want a traditional b'way show; not interested in a piece with no spoken dialogue; not a dance fan. Read more

75%

Repetitive, Ambitious, Disappointing, Indulgent, Slow

See it if Sufjan Stevens fans who know the music and lyrics will enjoy the unique telling of an emotional story about loss through interpretive dance.

Don't see it if You're bothered by repetition and ZERO dialogue. The dancing is dynamic but repeats endlessly and gets boring; the conceit is challenging.

75%

Great dancing, Masterful, Entertaining, Ambitious

See it if you are a fan of Sufjan Stevens's landmark recording and Justin Peck's choreography. The dance company is sublime!

Don't see it if unconventional theatre is not your thing. This is a dance-theatre production. Read more

65%

Disappointing, Indulgent, Overrated, Slow

See it if You're a fan of Sufjan Stevens and interpretive dance. The dancers, singers and musicians are terrific, but I found it all rather boring.

Don't see it if I wasn't moved or entertained in fact I had a hard time staying awake. I like different types of theatre, but this one did nothing for me.

100%

Must see, Breathtaking, Resonant, Absorbing

See it if Heavenly 90 minutes of story telling with flawless dancers and beautifully sung Sufjan’s masterpieces. Saw it 3 times, each time even better

Don't see it if You are in life or death situation

100%

Mesmerizing, Entertaining, Enchanting, Delightful, Absorbing

See it if You love the art of dance, you will enjoy this beautiful story woven through the gorgeous dance segments. The music is fabulous

Don't see it if If you need dialogue to follow a story, you won’t love this.

100%

Epic, Exquisite, Enchanting, Thought-provoking, Great staging

See it if You want to see some of the best choreography performed by some of the best dancers to ever grace the stage

Don't see it if You don’t like dance shows

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