‘Illinoise’ received four Tony nominations. Was that enough?
A musical unlike any other, “Illinoise” takes you on a breathtaking journey through song and dance.
In this beautiful coming-of-age story, choreographed and directed by Tony winner Justin Peck (”Carousel”), a brilliant company of dancers glide and rush and leap around the stage. While they never speak or sing, the performers successfully interpret characters’ feelings and scenes through movement.
It’s not surprising that Peck recently received another Tony nomination. The resident choreographer and artistic associate of the New York City Ballet was the choreographer for Steven Spielberg’s “West Side Story.” With “Illinoise,” he has helped create a 90-minute masterpiece.
Songs are taken from the critically acclaimed 2005 concept album “Illinois” by New York singer and composer Sufjan Stevens, who has collaborated extensively with Peck. The lyrics are sometimes amateurish, but they never take away from the magic. Composer and pianist Timo Andres enhances Stevens’ work with new arrangements — and he received a Tony nomination for Best Orchestrations.
The mix of folk and indie rock and ambient electronics is performed by an 11-member band and three divine vocalists. Elijah Lyons, Shara Nova and Tasha Viets-VanLear have, indeed, been touched by an angel. Their heavenly and powerful voices fill your soul with joy and sadness.
As for the book, Peck teams with Pulitzer Prize winner Jackie Sibblies Drury. In Act I, dancers share stories around a campfire. There are some surprises. We see Superman, and ... zombies? Yes! That number, in fact, called to mind a bit of music from “Hair,” another show with a tribe of performers that forever changed Broadway.
Other highlights include watching Alejandro Vargas float and spiral and soar, and Byron Tittle’s magnificent tap dancing.
Act II is where “Illinoise” takes off. The focus is on Henry (Ricky Ubeda of “So You Think You Can Dance” fame) and his close friends Carl (Ben Cook) and Shelby (Gaby Diaz, another “So You Think You Can Dance” winner ). Henry seems to be in love with Carl, who is in love with Shelby. Later, Henry meets Douglas (Ahmad Simmons), who becomes the love of his life.
While Ubeda gets top billing, Cook is a formidable presence. In a solo spot, one of the most memorable parts of the evening, we feel his pain and anguish. It tears you apart.
Adam Rigg’s scaffolding scenic design, complete with upside down pine trees overhead, has the band and singers on both sides, overlooking the action on stage below. Lighting designer Brandon Stirling Baker was nominated for a Tony Award; sound designer Garth MacAleavey should have been.
“Illinoise” comes to Broadway direct from two critically acclaimed sold-out productions — off-Broadway at the Park Avenue Armory in New York City, and Chicago Shakespeare Theater.
It was extraordinary off-Broadway, but certain things were more apparent this time.
How the band members express themselves during reflective moments, for example, and their intensity when the notes turn chaotic. Credit music director/conductor Nathan Koci and music coordinator Tomoko Akaboshi.
Life-altering decisions are made, so don’t be surprised if you remember someone, like a former friend. Or ask yourself, “Would I do it that way again?”
The Playbill includes a journal entry from Henry, so anyone who ever kept any kind of diary is sure to read something familiar.
While it’s easy to see the butterfly wings on the singers, costume designers Reid Bartelme and Harriet Jung help create heroes and villains, good and evil — even a character’s inner psyche.
The logo for the show, the butterfly symbolizes transformation, hope and rebirth.
And Peck and Stevens, along with their collaborators and the “Illinoise” family, have given new life to a Broadway musical. It’s something to see.
Go: “Illinoise,” through Aug. 10, St. James Theatre, 246 W. 44th St., $62 to $299; illinoiseonstage.com.