Alicia Keys is set to captivate audiences with a Broadway show centered around her own life. Titled Hell’s Kitchen, with new arrangements of her biggest hits and original songs, the Grammy-awarded singer-songwriter’s Broadway debut is eagerly anticipated.
‘Hell’s Kitchen’
The announcement of Alicia Keys bringing her life story to Broadway has sent excitement throughout the entertainment industry. Keys made the revelation during a Public Theater fundraiser, where she shared her joy in fulfilling her ultimate dream. She stated:
“We get to announce the ultimate dream — the dream that my mother chased from a little girl, that brought her here, which is the reason why I’m here, which is the reason why this city raised me, and the reason why I can even tell this story.”
In addition to her groundbreaking venture into Broadway, Alicia Keys continues to explore new opportunities outside of her musical abilities. Most recently, she filed a trademark for her upcoming teas, aptly named ‘Alicia Tea.’
Alicia’s Story
Hell’s Kitchen offers a glimpse into a chapter of Keys’s life as a 17-year-old growing up in a New York housing development surrounded by artists.
The story follows the protagonist, a girl raised by her single mother, as she discovers her love for piano and grapples with an attraction to an older man. Despite the challenges of a gritty neighborhood, she yearns for independence and self-expression. The musical explores themes of resilience, passion, and inner strength.
Directed by Michael Greif and choreographed by Camille A. Brown, the downtown cast boasts a talented lineup. Maleah Joi Moon takes on the protagonist role, while Shoshana Bean portrays her mother. Brandon Victor Dixon plays the absentee father, and Kecia Lewis shines as the piano teacher.
Exclusive Songs?
The Broadway cast has yet to be announced, adding to the anticipation surrounding the production.
Featuring newly arranged versions of Keys’s chart-topping hits like “Fallin’,” “Girl on Fire,” “No One,” and “Empire State of Mind,” the musical promises to be a captivating blend of nostalgia and fresh interpretations. Additionally, Keys has penned several new songs exclusively for Hell’s Kitchen, showcasing her prowess as a songwriter beyond her iconic discography.
Collaborating with playwright Kristoffer Diaz over the past decade, Keys has meticulously crafted a narrative that resonates with her personal experiences. Opening night is scheduled for April 20, 2024, at the prestigious Shubert Theater, where the show’s first preview is set for March 28.
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