Hell's Kitchen (musical)

{{Short description|Broadway jukebox musical}} {{Infobox Musical | name = Hell's Kitchen | subtitle = | image = Hell'sKitchenBroadwayPoster.jpg | caption = Broadway promotional poster | music = [[Alicia Keys]] and others | lyrics = Alicia Keys and others | book = [[Kristoffer Diaz]] | premiere_date = {{Start date|2023|11|9}} | premiere_location = [[The Public Theater]], New York City | image_size = 230px | productions = 2023 [[Off-Broadway]] 2024 [[Broadway theatre|Broadway]] 2025 North American Tour }} '''''Hell's Kitchen''''' is a [[jukebox musical]] built on the music and lyrics of [[Alicia Keys]], with a semi-[[Autobiography|autobiographical]] plot about her upbringing in [[Hell's Kitchen, Manhattan|Manhattan]] in the 1990s.<ref>{{cite web |title=''Hell's Kitchen''|url=https://publictheater.org/productions/season/2324/hells-kitchen/ |publisher=[[The Public Theater]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230823050839/https://publictheater.org/productions/season/2324/hells-kitchen/ |archive-date=2023-08-23 |url-status=dead|access-date=2023-12-10}}</ref><ref name=Shaw /> The musical, with a [[Book (musical theater)|book]] by [[Kristoffer Diaz]], initially ran at [[The Public Theater]] in October 2023,<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite web |last=Evans |first=Greg |date=June 6, 2023 |title=Alicia Keys Musical ''Hell's Kitchen'' Set For Fall Opening At New York's Public Theater |url=https://deadline.com/2023/06/alicia-keys-musical-hells-kitchen-opening-date-public-theater-season-1235398212/ |access-date=October 12, 2023 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |publisher=}}</ref> having its [[Broadway theatre|Broadway]] debut at the [[Shubert Theatre (Broadway)|Shubert Theatre]] on April 20, 2024, followed by a [[cast recording]] on June 7, 2024.

The original Off-Broadway and Broadway productions received positive reviews by theatre critics, considering the musical among the best examples of the jukebox musical, while [[Maleah Joi Moon]], [[Shoshana Bean]], and [[Kecia Lewis]] were praised for their acting and vocal performances. The productions received nominations and won at the [[Lucille Lortel Awards]], [[Drama Desk Award|Drama Desk Awards]], [[Drama League Awards]], and Grammy Awards. At the [[77th Tony Awards]], the Broadway production garnered 13 nominations, winning [[Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical|Best Leading Actress]] and [[Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical|Best Featured Actress]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2024 Nominees : Lucille Lortel Awards |url=https://lortelaward.com/2024-nominees/ |access-date=2024-04-23 |website=lortelaward.com}}</ref><ref name=":5" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2024/04/2024-tonys-nominations-list-1235899070/|title=Tony Award Nominations: 'Hell's Kitchen', 'Stereophonic' Lead With 13|first=Greg|last=Evans|date=April 30, 2024}}</ref>

== Development == In 2011, Alicia Keys was involved as one of the producers and music composer of the Broadway play ''Stick Fly'' by [[Lydia R. Diamond]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hetrick |first=Adam |date=October 4, 2011 |title=Alicia Keys Will Pen Score for Broadway's Stick Fly |url=https://playbill.com/article/alicia-keys-will-pen-score-for-broadways-stick-fly-com-183247 |access-date=December 5, 2023 |website=[[Playbill]]}}</ref> Although it was critically acclaimed, the play closed due to financial failures in the box office at the [[James Earl Jones Theatre|Cort Theatre]] after 24 preview performances and 92 regular performances.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Douze |first=Khalila |date=February 10, 2012 |title=Alicia Keys' Broadway ''Stick Fly'' Closing |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/alicia-keys-broadway-stick-fly-closing-506231/ |access-date=December 5, 2023 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |language=}}</ref> In a 2023 interview for [[Ebony (magazine)|''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".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Baker |first=Josh |date=November 22, 2023 |title=Alicia Keys Brings Her Soundtrack to Life in Her First Musical 'Hell's Kitchen' |url=https://www.ebony.com/alicia-keys-hells-kitchen-musical/ |access-date=December 5, 2023 |website=[[Ebony (magazine)|Ebony]] |language=}}</ref>

==Synopsis== ===Act 1=== 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, a singer and working woman who supports [[Rudy Giuliani]]'s [[Mayoralty of Rudy Giuliani|rhetoric and policies on increased policing]], 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" / "Teenage Love Affair") but laments his continued broken promises and inability to keep plans. Ali continues to pursue Knuck, eventually sleeping with him at his apartment ("Un-Thinkable (I'm Ready)"). She stumbles into the Ellington Room by accident, where Miss Liza Jane makes her sit down for a piano lesson, teaching her some basic music theory.

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=== Ali continues to refuse to speak with Jersey ("Heartburn"). When Jersey fails again to get through to Ali and not wanting to be cut out, she calls up Davis as a last resort ("Love Looks Better"). 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{{efn|In the national tour, Knuck's hometown is changed to the city the production is playing in.}} to stay with family for several weeks. 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 ("Authors of Forever").

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 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"). {{notelist}}

== Production history == [[File:HellsKitchenCreativeTeam-byPhilipRomano.jpg|thumb|311x311px|Keys, Greif, Blackstone and Brown at the show's one-year celebration in 2025.]]

===Off-Broadway (2023)=== Keys began developing the play in 2011, and that year Diaz was attached to the project.<ref name="nyt">{{cite web |author1=Paulson, Michael |title=Alicia Keys Is Making a Musical. Her Own Life Inspired the Story |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/01/theater/alicia-keys-musical-hells-kitchen.html |website=[[The New York Times]] |date=2023-06-01|access-date=2023-12-10}}</ref> In 2018, Greif was appointed as the musical's director.<ref>{{cite web |author1=Marley, Marius |title=Alicia Keys Takes Her Story—And Her Signature Sound—Off-Broadway With Hell's Kitchen |url=https://www.vogue.com/article/alicia-keys-hells-kitchen-november-2023 |website=Vogue |date=2023-09-12|access-date=2023-12-10}}</ref> By February 2023, the main roles were cast, and casting call for remaining roles was released on February 6<ref name="playbill">{{cite web |url=https://playbill.com/article/alicia-keys-musical-hells-kitchen-in-development-through-off-broadways-public-theater |title=Alicia Keys Musical Hell's Kitchen in Development Through Off-Broadway's Public Theater |last=Culwell-Block|first=Logan |date=2023-02-07 |website=[[Playbill]] |publisher= |access-date=2023-12-10}}</ref> and auditions were held on February 17, 2023, at Actors' Equity New York Audition Center.<ref>{{cite web |title=Hell's Kitchen – New York Shakespeare Festival Auditions |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/equity-audition/HELL-S-KITCHEN-New-York-Shakespeare-Festival-2023-38714|date=2023-02-06|website=[[BroadwayWorld]]|access-date=2023-12-10}}</ref>

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]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Culwell-Block |first=Logan |date=June 1, 2023 |title=Alicia Keys Musical Hell's Kitchen, Suzan-Lori Parks' Sally & Tom, More Will Play The Public in 2023-2024 Season |url=https://playbill.com/article/alicia-keys-musical-hells-kitchen-suzan-lori-parks-sally-tom-more-will-play-the-public-in-2023-2024-season |access-date=November 29, 2023 |website=[[Playbill]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Mier |first=Tomás |date=June 1, 2023 |title=Alicia Keys Announces Opening of Musical Loosely Based on Her Life, Featuring Her Hits |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/alicia-keys-announces-hells-kitchen-musical-opening-1234745720/ |access-date=November 29, 2023 |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]}}</ref> According to Keys, the musical is a "love story between a mother and a daughter",<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.etonline.com/alicia-keys-on-why-new-tour-is-unlike-anything-shes-ever-done-and-if-son-egypt-will-join-her-206880 |title=Alicia Keys on Why New Tour Is 'Unlike Anything' She's Ever Done and If Son Egypt Will Join Her (Exclusive) |last=Pierre |first=Mekishana |date=2023-06-26 |website=[[Entertainment Tonight]] |publisher= |access-date=2023-12-10 |quote=}}</ref> 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".<ref name="bbw">{{cite web |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Video-Alicia-Keys-Teases-New-Musical-HELLS-KITCHEN-on-GOOD-MORNING-AMERICA-20230607 |title=Video: Alicia Keys Teases New Musical Hell's Kitchen on Good Morning America |last=Major |first=Michael |date=2023-06-07 |website=[[BroadwayWorld]] |publisher= |access-date=2023-12-10 |quote=}}</ref> Tickets went on sale in August 2023.<ref>{{cite web |title=Alicia Keys' Autobiographical Broadway Debut: ''Hell's Kitchen'' Tickets Now on Sale |url=https://www.hollywood.com/broadway/alicia-keys-autobiographical-broadway-debut-hells-kitchen-tickets-now-on-sale-61021983|author=Akin-Deko, Tumi|website=Hollywood|date=2023-08-03|access-date=2023-12-10}}</ref> The production was originally set to run from October 24 to December 10, 2023,<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/alicia-keys-announces-hells-kitchen-musical-opening-1234745720/ |title=Alicia Keys Announces Opening of Musical Loosely Based on Her Life, Featuring Her Hits |last=Mier |first=Tomás |date=2023-06-01 |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |publisher=|access-date=2023-12-10 |quote=}}</ref> but on September 12, a two-week extension to December 23 was announced.<ref name="bbw2">{{cite web |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Cast-and-Creative-Team-Set-For-Alicia-Keys-HELLS-KITCHEN-Plus-Two-Week-Extension-20230912 |title=Cast and Creative Team Set For Alicia Keys' Hell's Kitchen, Plus Two Week Extension! |last=Wild |first=Stephi |date=2023-09-12 |website=[[BroadwayWorld]]|publisher=|access-date=2023-12-10}}</ref> In October 2023, another two-week extension to January 7 was announced.<ref name=":3" /> The play featured some of Keys' best known songs, as well as new music written by Keys specifically for the play.<ref name="nyt"/> The musical began previews on October 24, 2023, at [[The Public Theater]] with an opening night of November 19.

=== Broadway (2024–2026) === On December 4, 2023, Keys announced that the production would transfer to the [[Shubert Theatre (Broadway)|Shubert Theatre]] on [[Broadway theatre|Broadway]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Paulson |first=Michael |date=December 4, 2023 |title=Alicia Keys's 'Hell's Kitchen' to Open on Broadway This Spring |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/04/theater/alicia-keys-musical-hells-kitchen-broadway.html |access-date=March 25, 2024 |website=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> The show began previews on March 28, 2024, with an opening night scheduled for April 20, 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Huston |first=Caitlin |date=December 4, 2023 |title=Alicia Keys Musical ''Hell's Kitchen'' to Open on Broadway This Spring |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lifestyle/arts/alicia-keys-musical-hells-kitchen-broadway-1235711097/ |access-date=December 5, 2023 |website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref> Casting was announced on February 7, 2024.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2024/02/alicia-keys-hells-kitchen-broadway-cast-1235817227/|title=Broadway Cast Announced For Alicia Keys Musical 'Hell's Kitchen'|date=7 February 2024 |publisher=Deadline}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Rosky |first=Nicole |title=Maleah Joi Moon, Shoshana Bean, Brandon Victor Dixon & More Will Reprise Roles in HELL'S KITCHEN on Broadway |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Maleah-Joi-Moon-Shoshana-Bean-Brandon-Victor-Dixon-More-Will-Reprise-Roles-in-HELLS-KITCHEN-on-Broadway-20240207 |access-date=2024-02-07 |website=BroadwayWorld.com |language=en}}</ref> 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 was the same as the Public's run, with production and design workers transferring as well.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.playbill.com/article/alicia-keys-musical-hells-kitchen-finds-full-broadway-cast|title=Alicia Keys Musical ''Hell's Kitchen'' Finds Full Broadway Cast|first=Logan|last=Culwell-Block|work=Playbill|date=February 26, 2024|accessdate=February 26, 2024}}</ref> On March 22, 2024, Keys performed the song "[[Kaleidoscope (Alicia Keys song)|Kaleidoscope]]" with the musical's lead actress Maleah Joi Moon and the cast on ''[[The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Culwell-Block |first=Logan |date=March 21, 2024 |title=Listen: Maleah Joi Moon Debuts a New Alicia Keys Song Written for Hell's Kitchen |url=https://playbill.com/article/listen-maleah-joi-moon-debuts-a-new-alicia-keys-song-written-for-hells-kitchen |access-date=March 23, 2024 |website=[[Playbill]]}}</ref> The production closed on February 22, 2026 after 23 previews and 767 regular performances.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gans |first=Andrew |date=15 January 2025 |title=Alicia Keys' Hell's Kitchen Sets Closing Date on Broadway; Brandon Victor Dixon Will Return |url=https://playbill.com/article/alicia-keys-hells-kitchen-sets-closing-date-on-broadway-brandon-victor-dixon-will-return |website=Playbill}}</ref> === North American Tour (2025) === A touring production of the musical began at [[Playhouse Square]] in [[Cleveland]], [[Ohio]] on October 10, 2025. It is scheduled to tour 30 cities in its first year. Tennis player, [[Serena Williams]] joined the producing team for the national tour.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Culwell-Block |first=Logan |date=September 8, 2025 |title=Hell's Kitchen Finds Full National Tour Cast |url=https://playbill.com/article/hells-kitchen-finds-full-national-tour-cast |access-date=October 27, 2025 |website=playbill.com}}</ref>

=== South Korea production (2026) === In April 2026, [[South Korea]]'s musical and performance production company S&Co annunced that the musical would premiere at the GS Art Center in [[Gangnam District]] of [[Seoul]] on July 24, 2026, with last show on November 8, 2026.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rabinowitz |first=Chloe |date=April 15, 2026 |title=Alicia Keys' HELL'S KITCHEN to Premiere in Korea in July |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Alicia-Keys-HELLS-KITCHEN-to-Premiere-in-Korea-in-July-20260415 |access-date=April 29, 2026 |website=[[BroadwayWorld.com]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=April 15, 2026 |title=Singer Alicia Keys's Broadway musical 'Hell's Kitchen' to open first non-English production in Korea |url=https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2026-04-15/entertainment/musicPerformance/Singer-Alicia-Keyss-Broadway-musical-Hells-Kitchen-to-open-first-nonEnglish-production-in-Korea/2569550 |access-date=April 29, 2026 |website=[[Korea JoongAng Daily]] |language=en}}</ref>

== Musical numbers == {{col-begin}} {{col-2}} ;Act I * "The Gospel" * "The River" * "Seventeen" * "[[You Don't Know My Name]]" * "[[Kaleidoscope (Alicia Keys song)|Kaleidoscope]]" * "Gramercy Park" * "[[Not Even the King]]" * "[[Teenage Love Affair]]" * "Not Even the King (Reprise)" * "[[Un-Thinkable (I'm Ready)]]" * "[[Girl on Fire (song)|Girl on Fire]]" * "[[Perfect Way to Die]]" {{col-break}} ;Act II * "Heartburn" * "[[Love Looks Better]]" * "Work on It" * "Authors of Forever" * "[[Fallin' (Alicia Keys song)|Fallin]]" * "[[If I Ain't Got You]]" * "Pawn It All" * "[[Like You'll Never See Me Again]]" * "Hallelujah/Like Water" * "[[No One (Alicia Keys song)|No One]]" * "[[Empire State of Mind]]" {{col-end}}

=== Instrumentation === The show's orchestrations are by [[Adam Blackstone]] and [[Tom Kitt (musician)|Tom Kitt]], with arrangements by Keys and Blackstone.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Rosky |first=Nicole |date=October 3, 2023 |title=Alicia Keys Says the Goal is Broadway for Hell's KitchenI |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Alicia-Keys-Says-the-Goal-is-Broadway-for-HELLS-KITCHEN-20231004 |access-date=November 29, 2023 |website=[[BroadwayWorld]]}}</ref> Kitt served as music consultant, with music coordination by Kristy Norter and music direction by Dominic Fallacaro.<ref name=":0" />

== Cast and characters == {| class="wikitable" |+ ! rowspan="2" |Character !Off-Broadway<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Culwell-Block |first=Logan |date=October 12, 2023 |title=Alicia Keys' Hell's Kitchen Extends Upcoming World Premiere at The Public |url=https://playbill.com/article/alicia-keys-hells-kitchen-extends-upcoming-world-premiere-at-the-public |access-date=November 28, 2023 |website=[[Playbill]]}}</ref> !Broadway <ref>{{Cite web |title=Creative Team {{!}} Hell's Kitchen on Broadway {{!}} Official Site |url=https://www.hellskitchen.com/broadway/the-creative-team |access-date=2024-03-28 |website=www.hellskitchen.com |language=en}}</ref> !North American Tour<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hell’s Kitchen Tour – Creative Team {{!}} Official Site |url=https://hellskitchen.com/tour/the-creative-team |access-date=2025-10-27 |website=hellskitchen.com |language=en-US}}</ref> |- !2023 !2024 !2025 |- !Ali | colspan="2" align="center" | [[Maleah Joi Moon]] |align="center" | Maya Drake |- !Jersey | colspan="2" align="center" | [[Shoshana Bean]] |align="center" |Kennedy Caughell |- !Miss Liza Jane | colspan="2" align="center" | [[Kecia Lewis]] |align="center" |Roz White |- !Davis | colspan="2" align="center" | [[Brandon Victor Dixon]] |align="center" |Desmond Sean Ellington |- !Ray | colspan="2" align="center" | Chad Carstarphen |align="center" |Chikezie Nwankwo |- !Tiny | colspan="2" align="center" | Vanessa Ferguson |align="center" |Gigi Lewis |- !Crystal | colspan="1" align="center" | [[Crystal Monee Hall]] | align="center" | Rema Webb |align="center" |Rashada Dawan |- !Junio/Q | colspan="2" align="center" | Jakeim Hart |align="center" |Zaiah Ellis |- !Millie | colspan="1" align="center" | Mariand Torres | align="center" | Nyseli Vega |align="center" |Beda Spindola |- !Riq | colspan="2" align="center" | Lamont Walker II |align="center" |Jeffrey May Hyche |- !Knuck | colspan="2" align="center" | Chris Lee |align="center" |JonAvery Worrell |- !Jessica | colspan="2" align="center" | Jackie Leon |align="center" |Marley Soleil |}

=== Notable replacements ===

==== Broadway (2024–2026) ====

* '''Jersey:''' [[Jessica Vosk]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-10-16 |title=Jessica Vosk will return to Broadway in ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ |url=https://www.broadwaynews.com/jessica-vosk-will-return-to-broadway-in-hells-kitchen/ |access-date=2025-01-19 |website=Broadway News |language=en}}</ref> * '''Davis:''' [[Tank (American singer)|Durrell "Tank" Babbs]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=JazzJohnson100 |date=2025-03-13 |title=Tank makes Broadway debut in Alicia Keys’ ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ |url=https://rollingout.com/2025/03/13/tank-broadway-debut-in-hells-kitchen/ |access-date=2025-03-18 |website=rollingout.com |language=en-US}}</ref> [[Christopher Jackson (actor)|Christopher Jackson]],<ref>Culwell-Block, Logan [https://playbill.com/article/christopher-jackson-sets-broadway-return-in-hells-kitchen Christopher Jackson Sets Broadway Return in Hell's Kitchen] Playbill, May 28, 2025</ref> [[Ne-Yo]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=CULWELL-BLOCK |first=LOGAN |date=November 17, 2025 |title=Grammy Award Winner Ne-Yo to Make Broadway Debut in Alicia Keys Musical Hell's Kitchen |url=https://playbill.com/article/grammy-award-winner-ne-yo-to-make-broadway-debut-in-alicia-keys-musical-hells-kitchen |access-date=December 4, 2025 |website=Playbill}}</ref> * '''Miss Liza Jane''': [[Yolanda Adams]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=CULWELL-BLOCK |first=LOGAN |date=November 17, 2025 |title=Yolanda Adams Will Join Broadway's Hell's Kitchen; Tony Winner Kecia Lewis Sets Final Bow |url=https://playbill.com/article/yolanda-adams-will-join-broadways-hells-kitchen-tony-winner-kecia-lewis-sets-final-bow |access-date=December 4, 2025 |website=Playbill}}</ref>

== Critical response == The original Off-Broadway and Broadway productions received mostly positive reviews,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Vincentelli |first=Elisabeth |author-link=Elisabeth Vincentelli |date=April 21, 2024 |title='Hell's Kitchen' Review: Alicia Keys's Musical Finds Its Groove on Broadway |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/20/theater/hells-kitchen-review-alicia-keys.html |access-date=April 22, 2024 |work=[[The New York Times]] |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Culwell-Block |first1=Logan |last2=Tran |first2=Diep |date=April 20, 2024 |title=Reviews: What Do Critics Think of Hell's Kitchen on Broadway? |url=https://playbill.com/article/reviews-what-do-critics-think-of-hells-kitchen-on-broadway |access-date=April 22, 2024 |website=[[Playbill]]}}</ref> being considered among the best examples of a jukebox musical.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rubins |first=Dan |date=November 20, 2023 |title='Hell's Kitchen' Review: Alicia Keys's Flimsy Jukebox Musical |url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/theater/hells-kitchen-review-alicia-keys/ |access-date=November 29, 2023 |website=[[Slant Magazine]]}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Tinubu |first=Aramide |date=April 21, 2024 |title='Hell's Kitchen' Review: Alicia Keys Musical Brings a Vibrant Depiction of Teen Girlhood to Broadway |url=https://variety.com/2024/legit/reviews/hells-kitchen-review-alicia-keys-musical-broadway-1235977362/ |access-date=April 21, 2024 |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Snyder |first=Diane |date=November 20, 2023 |title=Hell's Kitchen: Alicia Keys' songs and story make for a real beauty of a jukebox musical |work=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/theatre/what-to-see/alicia-keys-hells-kitchen-public-theater-new-york-broadway/ |access-date=November 29, 2023 |issn=0307-1235}}</ref> The performances by Maleah Joi Moon, Kecia Lewis and Shoshana Bean were praised by critics both for acting and singing.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news|last=McNulty|first=Charles|author-link=Charles McNulty|date=November 29, 2023 |title=Not another jukebox musical, ''Hell's Kitchen'' artfully reimagines Alicia Keys' songs |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2023-11-29/hells-kitchen-new-alicia-keys-musical-public-theater-new-york |access-date=December 1, 2023 |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Isherwood |first=Charles|author-link=Charles Isherwood|date=November 23, 2023 |title=''Hell's Kitchen'' Review: Alicia Keys's Musical Coming of Age |newspaper=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/hells-kitchen-review-alicia-keys-musical-public-theater-2e68ac00 |access-date=November 29, 2023 |issn=0099-9660}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Oleksinski |first=Johnny |date=November 20, 2023 |title='Hell's Kitchen' review: Alicia Keys' show sounds great, lacks story |url=https://nypost.com/2023/11/19/entertainment/hells-kitchen-review-alicia-keys-show-sounds-great-lacks-story/ |access-date=November 29, 2023 |website=[[The New York Post]]}}</ref>

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".<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Mechling |first=Lauren |date=November 20, 2023 |title=Hell's Kitchen review – Alicia Keys jukebox musical is a marvel |url=https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2023/nov/19/hells-kitchen-alicia-keys-musical-review |access-date=November 28, 2023 |website=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref> [[Sara Holdren]] of [[Vulture (website)|''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".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Holdren |first=Sara |date=November 19, 2023 |title=Hell's Kitchen: A Familiar Diary of Alicia Keys |url=https://www.vulture.com/2023/11/theater-review-alicia-keyss-hells-kitchen.html |access-date=November 29, 2023 |website=[[Vulture (website)|Vulture]]}}</ref> [[Jesse Green (theatre critic)|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".<ref>{{cite web |author1=Green, Jesse |title=''Hell's Kitchen'' Review: How Alicia Keys Got Her Groove |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/19/theater/hells-kitchen-review-alicia-keys.html |website=[[The New York Times]] |date=2023-11-09|access-date=2023-12-10}}</ref>

Aramide Tinubu of [[Variety (magazine)|''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".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tinubu |first=Aramide |date=November 20, 2023 |title=''Hell's Kitchen'' Review: Alicia Keys Soundtracks a Powerhouse Cast in Vibrant Off Broadway Depiction of Teen Girlhood |url=https://variety.com/2023/theater/reviews/hells-kitchen-review-alicia-keys-musical-1235795883/ |access-date=November 29, 2023 |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref> 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 of Kristoffer Diaz "not wanting to intrude into areas that are so personal to Keys".<ref name=":2" />

In a mixed review, [[Helen Shaw (theater critic)|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".<ref name=Shaw>{{Cite magazine|last=Shaw |first=Helen |date=November 21, 2023 |title=''Hell's Kitchen'' Brings Alicia Keys's Musical Power to the Public|magazine=[[The New Yorker]] |url=https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2023/12/04/hells-kitchen-theatre-review-the-gardens-of-anuncia |access-date=November 29, 2023}}</ref>

== Awards and nominations == === Original Off-Broadway & Broadway productions === {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="width: 99%" !Year ! scope="col" | Award ! scope="col"| Category ! scope="col"| Nominee ! scope="col"| Result ! scope="col" class="unsortable"| {{Refh}} |- | rowspan="32" |2024 | rowspan="13" |[[77th Tony Awards|Tony Awards]] | colspan="2"| [[Tony Award for Best Musical|Best Musical]] | {{nom}} | rowspan="13" |<ref>{{Cite web |last=Huston |first=Caitlin |date=April 30, 2024 |title='Stereophonic,' Alicia Keys' 'Hell's Kitchen' Lead Tony Award Nominations |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lifestyle/arts/tony-awards-2024-nominations-nominees-list-1235886718/ |access-date=April 30, 2024 |website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref> |- | [[Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical|Best Actress in a Musical]] |[[Maleah Joi Moon]] | {{won}} |- | [[Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical|Best Featured Actor in a Musical]] |[[Brandon Victor Dixon]] | {{nom}} |- | rowspan="2" |[[Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical|Best Featured Actress in a Musical]] | [[Shoshana Bean]] | {{nominated}} |- |[[Kecia Lewis]] | {{won}} |- | [[Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical|Best Direction of a Musical]] |[[Michael Greif]] | {{nom}} |- | [[Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical|Best Book of a Musical]] |[[Kristoffer Diaz]] | {{nom}} |- | [[Tony Award for Best Scenic Design in a Musical|Best Scenic Design of a Musical]] |Robert Brill and [[Peter Nigrini]] | {{nom}} |- |[[Tony Award for Best Costume Design in a Musical|Best Costume Design of a Musical]] |[[Dede Ayite]] | {{nom}} |- |[[Tony Award for Best Lighting Design in a Musical|Best Lighting Design of a Musical]] |[[Natasha Katz]] | {{nom}} |- |[[Tony Award for Best Sound Design#Best Sound Design of a Musical|Best Sound Design of a Musical]] |[[Gareth Owen (sound designer)|Gareth Owen]] | {{nom}} |- |[[Tony Award for Best Choreography|Best Choreography]] |[[Camille A. Brown]] | {{nom}} |- |[[Tony Award for Best Orchestrations|Best Orchestrations]] |[[Adam Blackstone]] and [[Tom Kitt (musician)|Tom Kitt]] | {{nom}} |- | rowspan="5" |[[Lucille Lortel Awards]] | colspan="2" | Outstanding Musical | {{nom}} | rowspan="5" |<ref>{{cite web |last1=Culwell-Block |first1=Logan |title=Ars Nova and National Black Theatre's (Pray) Leads 2024 Lucille Lortel Awards; Read the Full List of Winners|url=https://www.playbill.com/article/ars-nova-and-national-black-theatres-pray-leads-2024-lucille-lortel-awards-read-the-full-list-of-winners |website=[[Playbill]] |access-date=May 6, 2024 |date=May 5, 2024}}</ref> |- | Outstanding Choreographer | [[Camille A. Brown]] | {{nom}} |- | Outstanding Lead Performer in a Musical |[[Maleah Joi Moon]] | {{nom}} |- | rowspan="2" |Outstanding Featured Performer in a Musical | [[Shoshana Bean]] | {{nom}} |- |[[Kecia Lewis]] | {{won}} |- | rowspan="3" |[[Drama League Awards]] | colspan="2" | Outstanding Production of a Musical | {{won}} | rowspan="3" |<ref name=":5">{{cite web |last1=Culwell-Block |first1=Logan |title=2024 Drama League Awards Nominations Are Out; Read the Full List|url=https://playbill.com/article/2024-drama-league-awards-nominations-are-out-read-the-full-list |website=[[Playbill]]|date=April 22, 2024 |access-date=April 22, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=April 22, 2024 |title=2024 Drama League Awards |url=https://dramaleague.org/2024awards |access-date=April 22, 2024 |website=[[Drama League Awards]] }}{{Dead link|date=October 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}</ref> |- |rowspan="2" | [[Drama League Distinguished Performance Award|Distinguished Performance]] | Shoshana Bean | {{nom}} |- |Kecia Lewis | {{nom}} |- | rowspan="1" |[[Outer Critics Circle Awards]] | Outstanding Featured Performer in a Broadway Musical | Kecia Lewis | {{won}} | rowspan="1" |<ref>{{cite web |last1=Culwell-Block |first1=Logan |title=Stereophonic Leads 2024 Outer Critics Circle Awards, Wins Best Play; See the Full List of Winners|url=https://playbill.com/article/stereophonic-leads-2024-outer-critics-circle-awards-wins-best-play-see-the-full-list-of-winners |website=[[Playbill]]|date=May 13, 2024 |access-date=May 13, 2024}}</ref> |- | rowspan="5" |[[Drama Desk Award]] | Outstanding Projection and Video Design | [[Peter Nigrini]] | {{won}} | rowspan="5" |<ref>{{cite web |last1=Rosky |first1=Nicole |title=2024 Drama Desk Awards Winners- The Full Lis|url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/2024-Drama-Desk-Awards-Winners--Updating-Live-20240610|website=[[BroadwayWorld.com]] |access-date=June 11, 2024 |date=June 10, 2024}}</ref> |- |Outstanding Choreography | Camille A. Brown | {{nom}} |- |Outstanding Lead Performance in a Musical |Maleah Joi Moon | {{won}} |- | rowspan="2" |Outstanding Featured Performance in a Musical | Shoshana Bean | {{nom}} |- | Kecia Lewis | {{won}} |- | rowspan="3" |[[Chita Rivera Awards for Dance and Choreography|Chita Rivera Awards]] | Outstanding Choreography in a Broadway Show | Camille A. Brown | {{won}} | rowspan="3" |<ref>{{Cite web |website=ChitaRiveraAwards.com |access-date=11 February 2025|language=en-US |url=https://www.chitariveraawards.com/index.php/2018-winners/14-chita/69-2024-winners-and-nominees |title=2024 Chita Rivera Awards Nominations and Winners}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Hell's Kitchen, Illinoise, and more win 2024 Chita Rivera Awards|url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/HELLS-KITCHEN-ILLINOISE-And-More-Win-2024-Chita-Rivera-Awards-20240520|website=[[Broadwayworld.com]]|date=May 20, 2024|access-date=May 21, 2024}}</ref> |- | colspan="2" |Outstanding Ensemble in a Broadway Show | {{nom}} |- | Outstanding Dancer in a Broadway Show | Chloe Davis | {{nom}} |- |colspan="2"|[[Theatre World Award]] | Maleah Joi Moon |{{won}} |<ref>{{Cite web |last=Culwell-Block |first=Logan |title=Cole Escola, Meleah Joi Moon, Rachel McAdams, More Win 2024 Theatre World Awards|url=https://playbill.com/article/cole-escola-maleah-joi-moon-rachel-mcadams-more-win-2024-theatre-world-awards |access-date=June 2, 2024 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref> |- |[[Dorian Awards]] |colspan=2|[[Dorian Award for Outstanding Broadway Musical|Outstanding Broadway Musical]] |{{nom}} |}

== References == {{reflist}}

== External links == * {{Official website|https://www.hellskitchen.com/}} * {{IBDB title|538560}}

[[Category:Alicia Keys]] [[Category:2023 musicals]] [[Category:African-American musicals]] [[Category:Broadway musicals]] [[Category:Fiction about mother–daughter relationships]] [[Category:Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album]] [[Category:Jukebox musicals]] [[Category:Musicals about families]] [[Category:Musicals based on real people]] [[Category:Musicals set in the 1990s]] [[Category:Musicals set in Manhattan]] [[Category:Off-Broadway musicals]]