Sufjan Stevens’ concept album ‘Illinois,’ released in 2005, is being adapted into a musical, with a premiere date set for this year. The new production will premiere this summer as part of Bard College’s Fisher Center’s 20th anniversary festivities in New York. The following is a synopsis of the show, which includes music and lyrics written by Stevens and a script written by Justin Peck and Jackie Sibblies Drury:
“Featuring new arrangements of the entire album for a live band and three voices — ranging in style from DIY folk and indie rock to marching band and ambient electronics — Illinois will lead us on a mighty journey through the American heartland, from campfire storytelling to the edges of the cosmos.”
“Tony Award-winner Justin Peck transforms the album into a full-length theatrical performance with a cast of virtuosic dancers, singers, and musicians in a narrative crafted with Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Jackie Sibblies Drury.”
Sufjan Stevens called on every band to break up after 10 years together in his end-of-year roundup for 2021 a few years ago. Stevens posted his favorite and least favorite albums of 2021 on Tumblr, despite the fact that most of the entries aren’t genuine albums, and the bulk of those that are weren’t published this year.