Illinoise Shows in NYC: A Comprehensive Guide

Story Overview

Illinoise is a musical that blends dance and storytelling. Inspired by Sufjan Stevens’ 2005 album of the same name, it follows a group of friends sharing personal stories around a campfire. The show was created by Justin Peck and Jackie Sibblies Drury. Here’s all you need to know before getting last minute Illinoise tickets in NYC:

Act I

The play begins with a young man named Henry leaving his bed and partner in the middle of the night (“Prologue (or, A Conjunction of Drones…)”). He hikes into the wilderness and stumbles upon a group of friends sharing stories by a campfire (“The Long Hike”). Henry is encouraged to write his own story, and the friends begin recounting their childhood memories in Illinois (“Come on Feel the Illinoise!”).

The stories cover various themes:

• Morgan’s reminiscence about growing up in Jackson, Illinois (“A Story About Jackson”).
• Jo Daviess’ nightmares about historical racism and conservatism (“A Story About Zombies”).
• Wayne’s struggle with his sexuality and self-loathing, fearing he is no better than serial killer John Wayne Gacy (“A Story About John Wayne Gacy, Jr.”). Wayne is comforted by the group after his breakdown. Clark lightens the mood by pretending to be Superman (“A Story About The Man of Metropolis”).

Act II

Henry initially resists telling his story but eventually shares his experiences. He recounts his childhood friendship and first love with Carl, who had a lover named Shelby. The three were close friends (“Decatur”). Henry’s story unfolds as he and Carl embark on a road trip to New York, which is cut short when Carl learns Shelby is ill (“Chicago”). Carl returns to Decatur to be with Shelby, while Henry meets and falls in love with Douglas, an artist (“To the Workers of the Rock River Valley Region, I Have an Idea Concerning Your Predicament”). Shelby dies of cancer with Carl by her side (“Casimir Pulaski Day”).

Henry continues to struggle with guilt over leaving Carl, despite his love for Douglas (“The Predatory Wasp of the Palisades Is Out to Get Us!”). Douglas helps calm Henry, but Carl, devastated by Shelby’s death, commits suicide (“The Seer’s Tower”). Henry is left to cope with Carl’s loss and returns to his new friends at the campfire (“A Conjunction of Drones, Again”).

Act III

Henry realizes he must celebrate his friendship with Carl instead of dwelling on its end (“Chicago” (Reprise)). His friends commend his bravery, and Douglas arrives at the campfire to join him. They embrace as the storytelling celebration continues (“The Tallest Man, the Broadest Shoulders,” “Epilogue”).

Cast Information

The cast of Illinoise brings to life the rich tapestry of stories centered around growing up in Illinois. Each character is named after a county in Illinois, adding a layer of authenticity and connection to the state’s heritage. Below is a detailed look at the main characters, their roles, and the actors who portray them.

Henry

• Portrayed by: Ricky Ubeda
• Character Overview: Henry is the central character who leaves his bed and partner in the middle of the night, embarking on a journey into the wilderness where he joins a group of friends sharing their stories around a campfire. Henry is initially reluctant to share his own story but eventually opens up about his past, including his deep friendship and love with Carl, and his current relationship with Douglas.
• Audience Reception: Henry is a beloved character due to his emotional depth and the relatability of his struggles with love and loss. Ricky Ubeda’s portrayal of Henry is praised for its vulnerability and sincerity.

Clark

• Portrayed by: Brandt Martinez (Broadway), Robert Fairchild (Chicago)
• Character Overview: Clark is one of the storytellers who brings a lighter touch to the group. He pretends to be Superman in one of the stories, providing comic relief and a sense of hope amid the heavier themes.
• Audience Reception: Clark is a beloved figure due to his ability to lighten the mood and his charismatic presence. Brandt Martinez’s performance is noted for its charm and energy.

Jo Daviess

• Portrayed by: Jeanette Delgado
• Character Overview: Jo Daviess shares stories that delve into historical racism and conservatism. Her nightmares about these issues reflect her deep-seated fears and concerns about the past and present societal issues.
• Audience Reception: Jo Daviess is a more ambivalent figure. While her stories are crucial for the narrative’s depth, they also bring a stark and sometimes uncomfortable reflection on historical and societal issues. Jeanette Delgado’s performance is compelling, drawing both empathy and contemplation from the audience.

Shelby

• Portrayed by: Gaby Diaz
• Character Overview: Shelby is a significant figure in Henry’s story. She was Carl’s lover and a close friend of Henry. Her battle with illness and eventual death deeply affects both Carl and Henry.
• Audience Reception: Shelby is a poignant character whose story elicits strong emotional responses. Gaby Diaz’s portrayal is heartfelt and moving, making Shelby a memorable part of the musical.

Wayne

• Portrayed by: Alejandro Vargas
• Character Overview: Wayne struggles with self-loathing and fears related to his sexuality. His story about identifying with serial killer John Wayne Gacy reveals his deep-seated fears and self-hatred, which leads to a breakdown that is comforted by the group.
• Audience Reception: Wayne is a deeply sympathetic character. Alejandro Vargas’s portrayal is powerful, and his vulnerability resonates strongly with the audience, making him one of the more beloved characters despite the darkness of his story.

Douglas

• Portrayed by: Ahmad Simmons
• Character Overview: Douglas is Henry’s current partner and an artist. His relationship with Henry provides a source of love and stability, despite Henry’s lingering guilt and emotional turmoil over Carl.
• Audience Reception: Douglas is seen as a stabilizing and loving presence in Henry’s life. Ahmad Simmons’s portrayal is noted for its warmth and tenderness, making Douglas a beloved character among the audience.

Carl

• Portrayed by: Ben Cook
• Character Overview: Carl is Henry’s childhood best friend and first love. His story is marked by his deep connection with both Henry and Shelby, and his tragic end following Shelby’s death.
• Audience Reception: Carl is a tragic figure whose story of love and loss deeply impacts the audience. Ben Cook’s performance is both heartbreaking and poignant, evoking a strong emotional response.

Venue Details

Illinoise premiered at the Fisher Center at Bard College in June 2023 and had subsequent runs at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater and Park Avenue Armory. The Broadway production is at the St. James Theatre, starting April 24, 2024, and scheduled to run through August 10, 2024. The production features set design by Adam Rigg, lighting by Brandon Stirling Baker, and costumes by Reid Bartel me and Harriet Jung.

Reviews

The Illinoise Broadway production has received generally positive reviews. Critics from the Chicago Tribune, The Hollywood Reporter, and Variety praised the show’s storytelling and choreography. However, some critics, like those from The Wrap and The New York Times, had mixed opinions, citing sentimentality and limited dance vocabulary as drawbacks.

Music

Among the songs, “Chicago” and its reprise are particularly popular with audiences due to their emotional resonance and dynamic performance. “Come On! Feel the Illinoise!” and “Casimir Pulaski Day” are also fan favorites, capturing the essence of Stevens’ music and the show’s thematic depth.

Awards and Recognition

Illinoise has been recognized with several awards and nominations:

• Tony Awards: Four nominations, winning Best Choreography for Justin Peck.
• Drama League Awards: Nominated for Outstanding Production of a Musical.
• Outer Critics Circle Awards: Multiple nominations, including Outstanding New Off-Broadway Musical and Outstanding Choreography, winning for Justin Peck.
• Drama Desk Awards: Nominated for Outstanding Musical and Outstanding Choreography, with Peck winning for his choreography.

Show Duration and Schedule

Illinoise runs for approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission. The show’s schedule is as follows:

• Tuesday: 7:00 PM
• Wednesday: 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM
• Thursday: 7:00 PM
• Friday: 8:00 PM
• Saturday: 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM
• Sunday: 3:00 PM

Please note that the last day for the show is August 10^th.

Food and Beverage

The St. James Theatre offers a variety of food and beverage options for your enjoyment. You can purchase snacks and drinks at the in-house bars located on each level of the theater. These include alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Please note that outside food and drinks are not permitted within the theater.

Visit NYC: Your Gateway to Illinoise Tickets in NYC

Illinoise in NYC theaters offers a captivating experience that transcends a traditional musical. Through a blend of stunning dance, evocative music, and heartfelt storytelling, it invites you to explore the complexities of human connection and growth. Get ready to witness the power of shared experiences and celebrate diversity in Illinoise!