Sufjan Stevens ’98

The artistry of singer-songwriter Sufjan Stevens ’98 inspired a musical that has earned multiple award nominations, praise from reviewers coast-to-coast and a recent 15-week run on Broadway. The production is named for, and shares the music and lyrics of, Stevens’ 2005 studio album Illinoise, with book by Justin Peck, who is also the director and choreographer, and Jackie Sibblies Drury.  As the narrative is described on the musical’s website. “A group of friends gather around a campfire and tell tales of family, myth, and growing up, inspiring one young man to finally share his powerful story of first love.” The production ran in the St. James Theatre on Broadway from April 24 through August 10, and among others garnered Best Musical nominations in the Tony. Drama League, Outer Critics Circle and Drama Desk awards. The Los Angeles Times has called it :The majestic future of Broadway”. The New York Times has described it as a “mysterious, deeply moving and unforgettable dance-musical”; and Variety headlined its review with “A Thrilling, Genre-Defying Broadway Musical Brings the Sufjan Stevens Album to Lyrical Life.”