Alicia Keys’ Hell’s Kitchen: An Immersive Musical Experience on Broadway

For the residents of Hell’s Kitchen, life comes with its worries – yet that doesn’t stop the vibrancy of the community. From the moment the musical opens, we see this in full view. 

Ali, the show’s narrator, explains that every floor of her apartment building is filled with music each day. But her floor remains silent, likely due to her overbearing mother Jersey’s  control. Ali’s search for freedom and the her relationship with her mother is at the center of Hell’s Kitchen.

The production is directed by four-time Tony Award nominee Michael Greif, with choreography by Tony Award nominee Camille A. Brown, and a book by Pulitzer Prize finalist, Kristoffer Diaz. The musical score and lyrics, written by the 16-time Grammy Award-winning artist Alicia Keys, play a pivotal role in the narrative.

Although the story isn’t strictly based on Keys’ personal life, Keys skillfully interweaves her hit songs into the storyline – from ‘Fallin” to ‘You Don’t Know My Name’ – in a manner that breaks the conventional feel of a jukebox musical. Moreover, the score doesn’t merely rely on Keys’ award-winning discography; it also introduces original songs as well. ‘Kaleidoscope,’ a standout original piece, resonates powerfully on stage with an infectious rhythm.

The allure of Hell’s Kitchen‘s music extends beyond its lyrical depth – what makes it truly shine is its seamless integration of songs with choreography and direction. Even changes in the set contributed to the creation of impressive numbers. Each song in Hell’s Kitchen is purposeful and is not introduced abruptly within the narrative, which differs from many musicals. The transitions between songs are smooth, and the placement of each number is thoughtful, enhancing the overall plot progression.

The cast is led by a heavily talented crew – Shoshana Bean as Jersey, Brandon Victor Dixon as Davis, Kecia Lewis as Miss Liza Jane, Chris Lee as Knuck, and Maleah Joi Moon as Ali.

However, the understudies Gianna Harris and Lamont Walker II stepped on stage during our performance. Despite these changes in the cast, the quality of the performance remained undiminished. Gianna Harris, in particular, fully embraced the free-spirited and innocent nature of her character, Ali. Her humor and her vocal prowess was truly impressive as well.

The entire ensemble boasted strong vocal talents. Shoshana Bean, a notable talent in her own right, was showstopping in her role as Jersey. Her performance, both acting and singing, was nothing short of astonishing. She successfully encapsulated the struggles of a mother raising her daughter.

The character of Jersey offers an interesting contrast to the rest of the characters – her elitist and out-of-touch demeanor wreaks havoc on the neighborhood and creates tension in her relationship with Ali. The chemistry between Harris and Bean was palpable – eeach of their moments together felt like a genuine reflection of a mother-daughter relationship.

This chemistry wasn’t limited to Harris and Bean – it permeated throughout thew entire production. The interactions between Harris and Walker (playing Ali’s love interest, Knuck), along with Dixon as Davis (Ali’s father) and Bean, were complex and emotionally charged, almost swinging from high to low like a pendulum. Dixon, introduced briefly in Act I, truly came into his own in Act II. His portrayal of a negligent father was convincingly authentic, making him a captivating presence in the narrative. 

Though, the heart of this production was undoubtedly Lewis in the role of Miss Liza Jane, Ali’s piano teacher and mentor. Her Act I finale, ‘Perfect Way to Die,’ is a poignant commentary on police brutality and racism in America that left us shattered. Lewis delivers not only sharp wit and brassy moments within Hell’s Kitchen – but also moments of profound vulnerability that made her character even more harrowing. 

The intricate exploration of relationships in Hell’s Kitchen is remarkable. Each pair – be it a feuding mother and daughter, a young girl in love with a directionless man, a former couple still reliant on each other, a father-daughter duo with a fractured bond, or a teacher striving for her student’s excellence – brings their own complexity. These relationships form the basis of this production. The success of Hell’s Kitchen truly lies in its ability to showcase that complexity of plot is not a prerequisite for greatness. The sheer humanity, flaws, and mistakes of every character lend a sense of authenticity to the show.

Overall, Hell’s Kitchen shines with an intense brilliance. With the award season beginning, it’s clear that this show is poised for significant success – especially considering the 13 Tony nominations it bagged earlier this week.