Hell's Kitchen (musical)

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Hell's Kitchen
Broadway promotional poster
MusicAlicia Keys and others
LyricsAlicia Keys and others
BookKristoffer Diaz
PremiereNovember 9, 2023 (2023-11-09): The Public Theater, New York City
Productions2023 Off-Broadway
2024 Broadway

Hell's Kitchen is a jukebox musical, with a book by Kristoffer Diaz and music and lyrics by Alicia Keys. The show is semi-autobiographical, telling the story of Keys upbringing in Manhattan in the 1990s.[1][2] The musical ran from October 24, 2023, to January 14, 2024 as part of The Public Theater's 2023–24 season.[3][4]The show had its debut on Broadway at the Shubert Theatre on April 20, 2024.

The original Off-Broadway and Broadway productions received positive reviews by theatre criticism, considering the musical among the best examples jukebox musical, while Maleah Joi Moon, Shoshana Bean and Kecia Lewis were praised for their acting performances. The productions received nominations at the Lucille Lortel Awards and Drama League Award.[5][6]

Development[edit]

In 2011 Alicia Keys was involved as one of the producers and music composer of the Broadway play Stick Fly by Lydia R. Diamond.[7] Although it was critically acclaimed, the musical closed due to financial failures in the box office at James Earl Jones Theatre after 24 preview performances and 92 regular performances.[8] In a 2023 interview for Ebony, Keys explained that she was inspired by its "story about a Black family in Martha's Vineyard" and that at that time "there was less diversity in so many ways, particularly in film and television, and definitely in theater".[9]

Synopsis[edit]

Act 1[edit]

Ali, a 17 year-old girl, welcomes the audience to Manhattan Plaza in the neighborhood of Hell's Kitchen, Manhattan and introduces the people in her life: the musicians who make up the artist housing in Manhattan Plaza; her friends, Tiny and Jessica; and her mother Jersey. Jersey notices Ali talking to Knuck, a bucket drummer who is part of a group that hangs out in the building, and forces them to break off their interaction ("The Gospel"). Ali expresses frustration over her mother's protective efforts and yearns for independence ("The River"). Jersey defends her protectiveness to the other residents, pointing out that Ali is only seventeen years old and is still naïve and impulsive ("Seventeen").

While the drummers practice in the building's courtyard, Tiny and Jessica urge Ali to make a move on Knuck ("You Don't Know My Name"). Ali's awkward attempt proves unsuccessful, with Knuck turning her down; shortly after, he and the other drummers are kicked out of the building due to Jersey calling the police. Ali throws a tantrum and storms out of the apartment, but is prevented from leaving the building due to a sudden rainstorm. Hiding in the building's Ellington Room (a music practice room) she notices one of the building's residents Miss Liza Jane practicing piano, and becomes enamored with what she hears; Liza Jane notices her and offers to teach her to play ("Kaleidoscope"). Ali tracks Knuck down at work, where he hesitantly agrees to see her again ("Gramercy Park"). Jersey warns Ali against dating a musician: she recalls falling for Ali's father, Davis, a piano player ("Not Even the King") but laments his continued broken promises and inability to keep plans. Ali continues to pursue Knuck, eventually sleeping with him at his apartment ("Teenage Love Affair"). She stumbles into the Ellington Room on accident, where Miss Liza Jane makes her sit down for a piano lesson, teaching her some basic music theory ("Un-Thinkable (I'm Ready)").

Ali rides the high of her relationship and her newfound love of music with the encouragement of Jessica, despite Tiny warning her of the danger ("Girl on Fire"). She invites Knuck over while Jersey is at work; Jersey returns home to find them asleep on the couch and angrily ejects Knuck from the apartment. While leaving, Knuck is shocked to learn that Ali is only seventeen. Jersey chases Ali as she follows Knuck down to the lobby, where he gets into a brief scuffle with the doorman Ray. Ali accuses Jersey of ruining her relationship because Jersey could not keep her own; Jersey slaps her in response. They are interrupted by the arrival of the police, whom Jersey called: however, seeing the scuffle they draw their weapons. Luckily, no one gets hurt, but Ali refuses to speak to her mother and retreats to the Ellington Room, where Liza Jane consoles her by pointing out the situation could have been much worse; she reflects on the racism she herself has experienced and urges Ali to continue learning to play so that she may continue a legacy of music ("Perfect Way to Die").

Act 2[edit]

The residents of Manhattan Plaza express their shared struggles and goals, while Miss Liza Jane is escorted by Ray from a doctor's appointment ("Authors of Forever"). Ali continues to refuse to speak with Jersey ("Heartburn"). Liza Jane privately reveals to Jersey she is terminally ill and likely does not have much longer to live, something she is keeping from Ali. When Ali admits sometimes she wishes Liza Jane was her mother instead, Liza Jane elects to end the lesson, urging Ali to appreciate the time she has with her mother. Jersey tries to get Ali to talk to her, but is refused ("Love Looks Better"); as a last resort, she reaches out to Davis to come talk to his daughter. Ali tracks down Knuck at his paint job ("Work on It"), but is rebuffed: Knuck tells her the police continued to harass him after the arrest, forcing him to escape to Atlanta to stay with family for several weeks.

Davis arrives at the apartment, where Jersey unloads her guilt over what she put Knuck, Ali, and the other residents through. Davis tries to offer his support, but mainly flirts with Jersey ("Fallin"). A tempted Jersey turns him down, and criticizes him for his absence. Ali falls asleep in the Ellington Room while looking for Liza Jane; when she wakes up she discovers Davis, who tries to bond with her by playing a song together ("If I Ain't Got You"). Ali is cheered up by spending time with her father, but soon realizes his unreliability when he hedges on when they can meet again. Jersey consoles Ali afterwards, and encourages her to talk to Knuck. She then tracks down Davis at his audition and warns him to stay away from Ali, refusing to let him hurt their daughter as he has hurt her ("Pawn It All"). Knuck reveals to Ali he is planning to move in with his family in Atlanta, due to having found community there ("Like You'll Never See Me Again"). The two part on amicable terms; though Ali is saddened that they have no chance of a relationship due to her youth and his moving, she finds solace in realizing she has made an adult decision for the first time ("When It's All Over"). When she returns home, however, she discovers the normally music-laden building silent; she encounters Jersey who tearfully informs her of Miss Liza Jane's passing.

They attend the service held in the Ellington Room, where Ali refuses to engage with the other mourners. Davis arrives and offers a eulogy expressing gratitude for Liza Jane for helping his daughter, and plays a tune on the piano. Ali eventually joins in, leading the mourners in a song ("Hallelujah/Like Water"). Jersey takes a chance and invites Davis to have dinner with her and Ali the following Friday, but he fails to show up. Though disappointed, Ali commends her mother for trying her hardest, and the two resolve that they still have each other ("No One"). Ali tells the audience their relationship continues to be rocky, but they are on steadier ground. She admits sorrow over Knuck's departure and Miss Liza Jane's passing, but continues to pursue music and expresses fondness for her community in Hell's Kitchen ("Empire State of Mind").

Production history[edit]

Off-Broadway (2023)[edit]

Alicia Keys began writing the project in 2011.

Keys began developing the play in 2011, and that year Diaz was attached to the project.[10] In 2018, Greif was appointed as the musical's director.[11] By February 2023, the main roles were cast, and casting call for remaining roles was released on February 6[12] and auditions were held on February 17, 2023, at Actors' Equity New York Audition Center.[13]

In June 2023, Keys announced she had written her first jukebox musical, Hell's Kitchen, inspired by her own life and career in New York City.[14][15] According to Keys, the musical is a "love story between a mother and a daughter",[16] and in an interview on Good Morning America, she stated that the play describes "the experience of growing up in New York City, really chasing a dream, trying to find who you are, discovering your identity, and really following your heart, ultimately".[17] Tickets went on sale in August 2023.[18] The production was originally set to run from October 24 to December 10, 2023,[19] but on September 12, a two-week extension to December 23 was announced.[20] In October 2023, another two-week extension to January 7 was announced.[3] The play will feature some of Keys' best known songs, as well as new music written by Keys specifically for the play.[10] The musical began previews on October 24, 2023, at The Public Theater with an opening night of November 19. The off-broadway production is directed by Michael Greif . The show features choreography by Camille A. Brown, scenic design by Robert Brill, costume design by Dede Ayite, hair and wig design by Mia Neal, sound design by Gareth Owen, production stage manager Danny Maly, projection design by Peter Nigrini, lighting design by Natasha Katz.[21]

Broadway (2024)[edit]

On December 4, 2023, Keys announced that the production would transfer to the Shubert Theatre on Broadway.[22] The show began previews on March 28, 2024, with an opening night scheduled for April 20, 2024.[23] Casting was announced on February 7, 2024.[24][25] Further casting was announced on February 26, 2024, with Rema Webb joining the cast as Crystal, Nyseli Vega as Millie, and Takia "Tiki" Hopson joining the ensemble. The rest of the cast is the same as the Public as well as the production and design workers.[26] On March 22, 2024, Keys performed the song "Kaleidoscope" with the musical's lead actress Maleah Joi Moon and the cast on the The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.[27]

Musical numbers[edit]

Instrumentation[edit]

The show's orchestrations are by Adam Blackstone and Tom Kitt, with arrangements by Keys and Blackstone.[28] Kitt served as music consultant, with music coordination by Kristy Norter and music direction by Dominic Fallacaro.[28]

Cast and characters[edit]

Character Off-Broadway[3] Broadway[29]
2023 2024
Ali Maleah Joi Moon
Jersey Shoshana Bean
Miss Liza Jane Kecia Lewis
Davis Brandon Victor Dixon
Ray Chad Carstarphen
Tiny Vanessa Ferguson
Crystal Crystal Monee Hall Rema Webb
Junio/Q Jakeim Hart
Millie Mariand Torres Nyseli Vega
Riq Lamont Walker II
Knuck Chris Lee
Jessica Jackie Leon

Critical response[edit]

The original Off-Broadway and Broadway productions received mostly positive reviews,[30][31] being considered among the best examples jukebox musical.[32][21][33] The performances by Maleah Joi Moon, Kecia Lewis and Shoshana Bean were praised by critics both for acting and singing.[34][35][36]

In a 5 out of 5 star review, Lauren Mechling of The Guardian wrote that "If this show doesn't bullet to Broadway, we should all give up", appreciating the set design, choreography and the songs lyrics and rhythms, which "have been refreshed for the purposes of the story, and not a single tune feels obligatorily wedged in".[37] Sara Holdren of Vulture stressed that Hell's Kitchen "is unquestionably a slick commercial machine" and "able to pull off the feat of making the musically familiar feel brand new", avowing the "and-trite as often as it does because of the sheer force of its performances".[38] Jesse Green from The New York Times commented that "over the course of 11 songs, the first act does the work of ambitious first acts everywhere: expanding the show's horizon to the larger world in which the action takes place" while the songs "fit into the story (and into the mouths of a variety of characters) without too much jimmying. If they don't, the situation is acknowledged effectively" and described the singing, arrangements and orchestrations in the musical as "thrilling".[39]

Aramide Tinubu of Variety described the musical as "a sparkling story paying homage to New York, to that beautiful and heartbreaking transition between girlhood and womanhood", telling both "mother/daughter relationships" and " the issues underlying New York City in the '90s, ... and over-policing in communities of color". Tinubu affirmed that even if "sometimes feel cliché, bordering on corny", the cast "dynamism keeps the show from falling into pure melodrama", becoming "a quintessential musical".[40] Charles McNulty of Los Angeles Times wrote that Hell's Kitchen "made a believer of this jukebox musical denier", pointing out that it "soars whenever the gifted cast is singing one of Keys' brilliantly reinterpreted hits.", which were "artfully reimagined". Nevertheless, McNulty emphasizes that the book "has a stakes problem that's evident throughout" probably because Kristoffer Diaz "not wanting to intrude into areas that are so personal to Keys".[34]

In a mixed review, Helen Shaw of The New Yorker wrote that the musical sometimes appeared as "a private communication, one not meant to be shared more widely", comparing it to The Gardens of Anuncia by Michael John LaChiusa because of their "certain cipher-like quality" and narration about "women with precocious success look back at their driven childhoods and edit out their grind and ambition in favor of a warm appreciation for their caretakers".[2]

Awards and nominations[edit]

2023-2024 productions[edit]

Award Date of ceremony Category Nominee(s) Result Ref.
Lucille Lortel Awards May 5, 2024 Outstanding Musical Hell's Kitchen[41] Pending [42]
Outstanding Choreographer Camille A. Brown Pending
Outstanding Lead Performer in a Musical Maleah Joi Moon Pending
Outstanding Featured Performer in a Musical Shoshana Bean Pending
Outstanding Featured Performer in a Musical Kecia Lewis Pending
Drama League Awards May 17, 2024 Outstanding Production of a Musical Hell's Kitchen[43] Pending [6][44]
Distinguished Performance Shoshana Bean Pending
Kecia Lewis Pending
Outer Critics Circle Awards May 23, 2024 Outstanding Featured Performer in a Broadway Musical Pending [45]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Hell's Kitchen". The Public Theater. Archived from the original on 2023-08-23. Retrieved 2023-12-10.
  2. ^ a b Shaw, Helen (November 21, 2023). "Hell's Kitchen Brings Alicia Keys's Musical Power to the Public". The New Yorker. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  3. ^ a b c Culwell-Block, Logan (October 12, 2023). "Alicia Keys' Hell's Kitchen Extends Upcoming World Premiere at The Public". Playbill. Retrieved November 28, 2023.
  4. ^ Evans, Greg (June 6, 2023). "Alicia Keys Musical Hell's Kitchen Set For Fall Opening At New York's Public Theater". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved October 12, 2023.
  5. ^ "2024 Nominees : Lucille Lortel Awards". lortelaward.com. Retrieved 2024-04-23.
  6. ^ a b Culwell-Block, Logan (April 22, 2024). "2024 Drama League Awards Nominations Are Out; Read the Full List". Playbill. Retrieved April 22, 2024.
  7. ^ Hetrick, Adam (October 4, 2011). "Alicia Keys Will Pen Score for Broadway's Stick Fly". Playbill. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  8. ^ Douze, Khalila (February 10, 2012). "Alicia Keys' Broadway Stick Fly Closing". Billboard. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  9. ^ Baker, Josh (November 22, 2023). "Alicia Keys Brings Her Soundtrack to Life in Her First Musical 'Hell's Kitchen'". Ebony. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  10. ^ a b Paulson, Michael (2023-06-01). "Alicia Keys Is Making a Musical. Her Own Life Inspired the Story". The New York Times. Retrieved 2023-12-10.
  11. ^ Marley, Marius (2023-09-12). "Alicia Keys Takes Her Story—And Her Signature Sound—Off-Broadway With Hell's Kitchen". Vogue. Retrieved 2023-12-10.
  12. ^ Culwell-Block, Logan (2023-02-07). "Alicia Keys Musical Hell's Kitchen in Development Through Off-Broadway's Public Theater". Playbill. Retrieved 2023-12-10.
  13. ^ "Hell's Kitchen – New York Shakespeare Festival Auditions". BroadwayWorld. 2023-02-06. Retrieved 2023-12-10.
  14. ^ Culwell-Block, Logan (June 1, 2023). "Alicia Keys Musical Hell's Kitchen, Suzan-Lori Parks' Sally & Tom, More Will Play The Public in 2023-2024 Season". Playbill. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  15. ^ Mier, Tomás (June 1, 2023). "Alicia Keys Announces Opening of Musical Loosely Based on Her Life, Featuring Her Hits". Rolling Stone. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  16. ^ Pierre, Mekishana (2023-06-26). "Alicia Keys on Why New Tour Is 'Unlike Anything' She's Ever Done and If Son Egypt Will Join Her (Exclusive)". Entertainment Tonight. Retrieved 2023-12-10.
  17. ^ Major, Michael (2023-06-07). "Video: Alicia Keys Teases New Musical Hell's Kitchen on Good Morning America". BroadwayWorld. Retrieved 2023-12-10.
  18. ^ Akin-Deko, Tumi (2023-08-03). "Alicia Keys' Autobiographical Broadway Debut: Hell's Kitchen Tickets Now on Sale". Hollywood. Retrieved 2023-12-10.
  19. ^ Mier, Tomás (2023-06-01). "Alicia Keys Announces Opening of Musical Loosely Based on Her Life, Featuring Her Hits". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2023-12-10.
  20. ^ Wild, Stephi (2023-09-12). "Cast and Creative Team Set For Alicia Keys' Hell's Kitchen, Plus Two Week Extension!". BroadwayWorld. Retrieved 2023-12-10.
  21. ^ a b Tinubu, Aramide (April 21, 2024). "'Hell's Kitchen' Review: Alicia Keys Musical Brings a Vibrant Depiction of Teen Girlhood to Broadway". Variety. Retrieved April 21, 2024.
  22. ^ Paulson, Michael (December 4, 2023). "Alicia Keys's 'Hell's Kitchen' to Open on Broadway This Spring". The New York Times. Retrieved March 25, 2024.
  23. ^ Huston, Caitlin (December 4, 2023). "Alicia Keys Musical Hell's Kitchen to Open on Broadway This Spring". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  24. ^ "Broadway Cast Announced For Alicia Keys Musical 'Hell's Kitchen'". Deadline. 7 February 2024.
  25. ^ Rosky, Nicole. "Maleah Joi Moon, Shoshana Bean, Brandon Victor Dixon & More Will Reprise Roles in HELL'S KITCHEN on Broadway". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 2024-02-07.
  26. ^ Culwell-Block, Logan (February 26, 2024). "Alicia Keys Musical Hell's Kitchen Finds Full Broadway Cast". Playbill. Retrieved February 26, 2024.
  27. ^ Culwell-Block, Logan (March 21, 2024). "Listen: Maleah Joi Moon Debuts a New Alicia Keys Song Written for Hell's Kitchen". Playbill. Retrieved March 23, 2024.
  28. ^ a b Rosky, Nicole (October 3, 2023). "Alicia Keys Says the Goal is Broadway for Hell's KitchenI". BroadwayWorld. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  29. ^ "Creative Team | Hell's Kitchen on Broadway | Official Site". www.hellskitchen.com. Retrieved 2024-03-28.
  30. ^ Vincentelli, Elisabeth (April 21, 2024). "'Hell's Kitchen' Review: Alicia Keys's Musical Finds Its Groove on Broadway". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved April 22, 2024.
  31. ^ Culwell-Block, Logan; Tran, Diep (April 20, 2024). "Reviews: What Do Critics Think of Hell's Kitchen on Broadway?". Playbill. Retrieved April 22, 2024.
  32. ^ Rubins, Dan (November 20, 2023). "'Hell's Kitchen' Review: Alicia Keys's Flimsy Jukebox Musical". Slant Magazine. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  33. ^ Snyder, Diane (November 20, 2023). "Hell's Kitchen: Alicia Keys' songs and story make for a real beauty of a jukebox musical". The Daily Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  34. ^ a b McNulty, Charles (November 29, 2023). "Not another jukebox musical, Hell's Kitchen artfully reimagines Alicia Keys' songs". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
  35. ^ Isherwood, Charles (November 23, 2023). "Hell's Kitchen Review: Alicia Keys's Musical Coming of Age". The Wall Street Journal. ISSN 0099-9660. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  36. ^ Oleksinski, Johnny (November 20, 2023). "'Hell's Kitchen' review: Alicia Keys' show sounds great, lacks story". The New York Post. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  37. ^ Mechling, Lauren (November 20, 2023). "Hell's Kitchen review – Alicia Keys jukebox musical is a marvel". The Guardian. Retrieved November 28, 2023.
  38. ^ Holdren, Sara (November 19, 2023). "Hell's Kitchen: A Familiar Diary of Alicia Keys". Vulture. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  39. ^ Green, Jesse (2023-11-09). "Hell's Kitchen Review: How Alicia Keys Got Her Groove". The New York Times. Retrieved 2023-12-10.
  40. ^ Tinubu, Aramide (November 20, 2023). "Hell's Kitchen Review: Alicia Keys Soundtracks a Powerhouse Cast in Vibrant Off Broadway Depiction of Teen Girlhood". Variety. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  41. ^ Produced by The Public Theater; Music and Lyrics by Alicia Keys; Book by Kristoffer Diaz
  42. ^ Russo, Gillian (2024-04-04). "2024 Lucille Lortel Award nominations announced". New York Theatre Guide. Retrieved 2024-04-05.
  43. ^ Produced by The Public Theater; Music and Lyrics by Alicia Keys; Book by Kristoffer Diaz; Directed by Michael Greif; Choreography by Camille A. Brown
  44. ^ "2024 Drama League Awards". Drama League Awards. April 22, 2024. Retrieved April 22, 2024.
  45. ^ Culwell-Block, Logan (April 23, 2024). "Dead Outlaw Leads 2024 Outer Critics Circle Award Nominations; Read the Full List". Playbill. Retrieved April 23, 2024.

External links[edit]

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