When I saw the new Broadway musical “Illinoise,” a theatrical adaptation of Sufjan Stevens’s concept album “Illinois,” playing at the St. James Theatre on (W. 44th Street), I was unfamiliar with the album and had no idea what I was about to see for 90 minutes straight with no intermission. For that hour and a half, I heard three singers perform songs that told stories about the characters in the musical, and I watched accomplished dancers perform interpretative dances to the words. The characters were far off in the mountains, baring their souls by the campfire.
I have to admit I was somewhat disappointed. This is not what I expect to see from a Broadway musical.
When I go to a Broadway musical, I like to witness a blatantly clear storyline, but this was very off the beaten path for me and made me feel confused at times. While it was definitely not my cup of tea, I must say that the performers were quite talented. They included Yesenia Ayala, Kara Chan, Ben Cook, Gaby Diaz, Jeanette Delgado, Carlos Falu, Christine Flores, Jada German, Zachary Gonder, Rachel Lockhart, Brandt Martinez, Dario Natarelli, Tyrone Reese, Craig Salstein, Ahmad Simmons, Byron Tittle, Ricky Ubeda, and Alejandro Vargas.
What’s interesting is that the person I took with me is a former dancer—and she loved it. While I found it engaging at some point, it just did not do it for me as a thrilling Broadway experience.
The production is the work of book writers Jackie Sibblies Drury and Justin Peck, with music and lyrics by Stevens, and direction by Justin Peck, who also wears the hat of choreographer.
If you’re a dancer, or just a lover of dance, maybe you would have a better time than I did. I just did not walk out with any sense of satisfaction.
For more info, visit www.illinoiseonstage.com.