Sufjan Stevens’ Illinois is now a musical

In a surprising turn of events, Sufjan Stevens’ 2005 concept album, IllinoisShe goes on stage. The musical adaptation, which features Stevens’ tunes and a screenplay by Justin Peck and Jackie Sibblies Drury, will premiere this summer at Bard College’s Fisher Center in New York in honor of the school’s 20th anniversary celebrations.

“With 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 take us on a massive journey through the American heartland, from storytelling around the campfire to edging the cosmos,” reads the synopsis for the musical NME.

“Tony Award winner Justin Peck transforms the album into a full-length theatrical performance with a cast of virtuoso dancers, singers and musicians in a narrative crafted with Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Jackie Sibblies Drury,” it adds .

Interestingly, Stevens posted on social media back in 2021 that he wasn’t a fan of musicals. “Please stop singing and dancing,” he wrote on Tumblr. As for other news, he’s set to appear on The National’s upcoming album, with a collaboration titled Once Upon A Poolside.

performances of Illinois-inspired musical runs from June 23rd to July 2nd. More information can be found here.