Illinoise, the Sufjan Stevens-inspired musical, has received four Tony Awards nominations.
The dance-musical, directed by Justin Peck and based on Sufjan Stevens’ iconic Illinois album, is up for Best Musical, Best Choreography, Best Orchestrations and Best Lighting Design. However, despite heavily featuring his music, Illinoise‘s nominations don’t extend to Stevens himself. So if you were hoping for him to finally get a start on his EGOT status, you’ll have to keep waiting.
The adaptation features music and lyrics by Stevens, with the story crafted by Peck, who choreographed Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story. According to the show’s description, Illinoise follows a “coming-of-age story through the American heartland,” which is exactly what we expect from a Sufjan-inspired musical. The production features new arrangements of the entire album, as well as “impressionistic choreography” and “narratives centering on self-exploration and community.”
Illinoise is currently playing at the St. James Theatre in New York City until August 10.
