Based on the landmark album of the same name, two tracks from the official cast recording of Sufjan Stevens’ new musical “Illinoise” have just been released. The full cast recording is coming May 31, released by Nonesuch Records, with physical copies coming at a later date.
“Chicago (Reprise)” and “The Predatory Wasp of the Palisades Is Out to Get Us!” are available on YouTube now. The two tracks feature cast members Shara Nova, Elijah Lyons, and Tasha Viets-VanLear on vocals and a band made up of Christina Courtin, Sean Peter Forte, Domenica Fossati, Daniel Freedman, Eleonore Oppenheim, Kathy Halvorson, Nathan Koci, Brett Parnell, Brandon Ridenour, Kyra Sims, and Jess Tsang. The songs are produced in part by Tony-nominated Timo Andres.
“Illinoise” centers around a group of friends spinning tales around a campfire. As their stories get personal, one young man tells the story of his first love. Debuting at Bard College in 2023, the play ran at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater and Off-Broadway in early 2024. Now on Broadway, “Illinoise” is playing at the St. James Theatre until August.
Listen to “Chicago (Reprise)” and “the Predatory Wasp of the Palisades Is Out to Get Us!” below. More information about “Illinoise” is available at their website.