Chicago Shakespeare Invites Audiences to “Illinoise”

By Cate Rees-Hessel

Chicago Shakespeare at Navy Pier’s production of the edgy, energetic musical “Illinoise”, based on the Sufjan Stevens’ heralded album “Illinois”, has something for everyone. A wonderful set, complete with a changing, realistic billboard, and lots of footage and fun costumes help give this play its dramatic flair. The amazing live band, whose stellar vocals compliment the high energy, flawless dance numbers, are decked out in butterfly wings through out the one act, symbolizing ones’ need to emerge from safe cocoons.

This modern production has no traditional dialogue, but it’s not missed – the song lyrics, skilled acting, and strident choreography executed by this extraordinary cast tell the story with ease. Whimsical touches include hot dogs and marshmallows on sticks, camp chairs, and wonderful unique inventive use of lighting. Handheld round spheres and lanterns illuminate the metal used on the set to create a realistic “L”-like structure, as well as light the dancers’ movements.

A show stopping tap number, and a Clark Kent/Superman, super heart routine are absolutely fabulous; one lucky audience member takes home a T-shirt that is thrown into the audience during this latter piece. A well costumed encroaching zombie scene brought various individuals including Ronald Reagan, Christopher Columbus, Jerry Falwell, and Thomas Jefferson back to “life” with an eerie tempo. Another song featured a sheer clown costume, complete with a unsettling mask.

The choreography by Justin Peck is exemplary, artistic, and athletic, just as the work he did for Spielberg’s “West Side Story” – he also cowrote the story of this masterpiece along with Pulitzer winner Jackie Sibblies Drury. Heavy subject matter is handled with decorum and gracefulness. Of course, just like any show that Chicago Shakes produces, this high-energy ninety minute theatrical tour de force is a huge hit. “Illinoise” moves on to New York City in March, so get in before this magnificent musical leaves Illinois February 18th. For tickets or more information, charge over to www.chicagoshakes.com.

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