Girls, "Illinoise" Is Not To Be Missed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And You Have Only Till August 10 To See It!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                         Make a mad dash to the St. James Theatre and see this show before it closes.  Based on the 2005 album by Sufjan Stevens, Justin Peck, my favorite choreographer practicing today, has created a dazzling theatrical kaleidoscope of dance, recalling such diverse works as "West Side Story," and Elizabeth Swados' "Runaways."

                                          Forget "The Outsiders;" these dancers are the real thing. Portraying social outcasts, adolescents, or those on the fringe of society, each has a story, and in each rendering, there is an exciting spontaneity to the dancers, as if all the discoveries they made during the long process of creating the work were continuing right on stage.

                                            The darkest, most disturbing piece has to do with the story of John Wayne Gacy, the killer clown who sought out young boys.  I had trouble figuring out how this story from the past fit into the fabric of the show, until I realized it was a commentary on the dangers faced by youth even today, via sex offenders and human traffickers.  What a clever move on Mr. Peck's part.

                                                About Justin Peck.  I know he is the head choreographer at the New York City Ballet, but I wish he would visit Broadway more often.  This is his first venture in six years, after the amazing work he did with "Carousel."  Please, Justin, Broadway needs you.  Imagine, girls, what he could create for Donna McKechnie.

                                                   I cannot urge you enough to see this remarkable dance piece.  Oh, there is music, from the album, sung wonderfully by musicians on the side.  It is a blend of folk and rock, and while one may not remember the tunes individually, they fit in with Peck's visual concepts.

                                                    "Illinoise" is the most innovative thing I have seen on Broadway in years.  Not to be sarcastic--oh, go ahead--but I am actually surprised it made it to Broadway.  The Great White Way is more deserving of such innovative creations.

                                                        Quickly, dolls!  Just nine days left!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!