theatre

Alicia Keys’ “Hell’s Kitchen” Broadway Musical: What We Know

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Alicia Keys has had a prolific 2023. This year, she released a new Christmas album, celebrated the 20th anniversary of her album, The Diary Of Alicia Keys, and toured North America. As 2023 comes to a close, Keys has set her sights on an exciting 2024, announcing that her musical, Hell’s Kitchen will be coming to Broadway in the new year. The stage jukebox musical premiered off-Broadway just last month at the Newman Theater in New York. The current iteration opened on November 19 and will run through January 7, 2024. 

Beginning March 28, 2024, Broadway performances will take place at the Shubert Theatre in New York, with tickets on sale now. The show’s runtime clocks in at 2.5 hours with an intermission. It will play eight performances a week, with two shows each on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Throughout the past month, Alicia Keys has been heavily promoting her latest endeavor and is taking it to the next level with its upcoming Broadway adaptation. As we await the premiere of her Broadway musical, here is what we know so far about Alicia Keys’ Hell’s Kitchen.

Read More: It’s Yo Birthday: 15 Best Alicia Keys Tracks

Who’s Involved In Alicia Keys’ Hell’s Kitchen?

Alicia Keys handles the music and lyrics of Hell’s Kitchen and does not appear in the production. This is not her first introduction to Broadway as she previously served as a producer and musical composer for Stick Fly in 2012. The music for Hell’s Kitchen includes songs from Alicia Keys’ discography, such as “Fallin’,” “No One,” “Girl On Fire,” “If I Ain’t Got You,” and “Empire State Of Mind.” According to the musical’s website, these songs “appear alongside previously unreleased and entirely new music from Keys.”

In addition to Alicia Keys, the creative team behind Hell’s Kitchen includes many notable names in theater. Pulitzer Prize finalist Kristoffer Diaz handles the book, Tony Award Nominee Camille A. Brown choreographed the show, and Tony Award nominee Michael Greif serves as its director. Musical orchestrators for Hell’s Kitchen include Adam Blackstone and Tom Kitt, with arrangements by Keys and Blackstone. The official cast for the Broadway adaptation has yet to be announced. Leading stars for the off-Broadway show include Maleah Joi Moon, Shoshana Bean, Brandon Victor Dixon, Kecia Lewis, and more.

Hell’s Kitchen Is Loosely Based On Alicia Keys’ Life

Hell’s Kitchen is inspired by Alicia Keys’ own life. According to Playbill, “The musical centers on 17-year-old Ali and her mother, sharing a cramped apartment near Times Square. Ali wants to live out her NYC dream, but mom is scared her daughter will repeat her own mistakes.” The musical’s title, Hell’s Kitchen, refers to the New York neighborhood where Keys lived during her childhood. Of the area, she told CBS News, “When I lived there, it was how it sounds. There was a lot of desolation there, there was a lot of drug addiction there, there was a lot of prostitution there. It was side-by-side, the desolation and the possibility. And I think that’s what kind of gave me a lot of hunger and grit.” 

Read More: Alicia Keys Taps Kanye West, Usher & More For “If I Ain’t Got You” Remix EP

The Reviews Are In

So far, the reception for Hell’s Kitchen has been mostly positive. The Guardian gave the show a glowing 5-star review, saying that “Hell’s Kitchen is a marvel! A live-wire theater adaptation of Alicia Keys’ hit list that brings the house down.” Variety also positively reacted to the show, writing that it is “a sparkling story with iconic music and absolute powerhouse vocals.” Other publications like The New York Times, Vulture, and the Los Angeles Times positively reviewed Hell’s Kitchen as well. 

Former New York Times theater critic Ben Brantley told CBS News that while he had only seen previews of the show, he noted that the changes to Alicia Keys’ popular songs to fit the plot might “de-jukebox-ify the show.” He said, “I like it when familiar songs sound fresh. You like to think that, especially her fan base, will have listened to those songs so often, that they may be sort of startled.” After Hell’s Kitchen makes its Broadway debut, we will see how the reception compares to its initial feedback. For now, this is all we know about Alicia Keys’ Broadway musical. Check back in with HotNewHipHop for the latest updates.

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Roger Guenveur Smith Net Worth 2023: What Is The Actor Worth?

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Born to the rhythmic beats of the City by the Bay, San Francisco, Roger Guenveur Smith didn’t just inherit the diverse cultural backdrop of his birthplace and absorbed its artistry and ethos. From the early days, it was evident that Smith’s trajectory was destined to be characterized by eclectic artistry. Early on, the fusion of history, social dynamics, and performance beckoned him. Before the net worth numbers started tallying to the cool tune of $5 million, as revealed by Allfamousbirthday in 2023, Smith embarked on a journey of self-discovery. This exploration would lead him to be recognized as a force to be reckoned with in the theater and film world.

Career Highlights & Accolades

Roger Guenveur Smith
LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 27: (L-R) Roger Guenveur Smith and Spike Lee. Attend the 25th anniversary screening of ‘Do The Right Thing’ presented by The Academy at Bing Theatre At LACMA. On June 27, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Tibrina Hobson/FilmMagic)

The world sat up and took notice when Roger portrayed the iconic character of Smiley in Do the Right Thing, Spike Lee’s magnum opus. But that was just one chapter in a career riddled with performances that captured the zeitgeist. His one-man shows, most notably “Rodney King” and “Frederick Douglass Now,” amalgamated history with dramatic flair. They offered audiences a nuanced look at Black American experiences. Beyond his theatrical accolades, Smith’s ventures into movies, including Malcolm X and American Gangster, have further underscored his thespian prowess.

Personal Life & Highlights

Roger Guenveur Smith
LOS ANGELES, CA – MAY 20: (L-R) Actors Roger Guenveur Smith and Denzel Washington and Dr. Keith L. Black. Attend the 6th annual Pauletta and Denzel Washington Family Gifted Scholars in Neuroscience Awards. At Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr. Middle School on May 20, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images)

Guenveur Smith’s personal life is interwoven with his passion for performance. Known for his meticulous research and dedication to his roles, he immerses himself in the characters he portrays. Off the stage and away from the screen, Smith is a voracious reader, always looking for stories that resonate. He remains ready to be transformed into another spellbinding performance.

Business Ventures & Philanthropy

Roger Guenveur Smith
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 05: Roger Guenveur Smith attends Uniquexposure Films Private Pilot Screening of “Chocolate” An Original Television Series at the Chaplin Theater at Raleigh Studios on June 05, 2019 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Uniquexposure Films)

With an understanding not just limited to the arts, Smith’s entrepreneurial spirit has seen him invest in ventures that echo his passions. His business endeavors, from production companies to workshops, are extensions of his artistic vision. Yet, Smith’s heart beats for the arts and the community. Further, throughout his illustrious career, he’s been an ardent supporter of initiatives that champion the cause of education and social justice. This weaves his philanthropy seamlessly into his overall narrative.

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Leslie Odom Jr. Net Worth 2023: What Is The Actor Worth?

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Amid the vibrant hustle of New York City in 1981, a star was born – Leslie Odom Jr. This prodigy from Queens displayed an early affinity for music and theater, charting a course that would lead him to numerous stages and screens. From the early days of chasing his dreams in the heart of the Big Apple to his meteoric rise in the entertainment world, Odom Jr. has always resonated with passion and dedication. Fast forward to 2023, and the world recognizes him for his talent and achievements, one of which is a net worth reported by Allfamousbirthday to be $5 million.

Career Highlights & Accolades

leslie odom jr.
NEW YORK, NY – JULY 11: Leslie Odom Jr. performs during his solo album release party at The McKittrick Hotel on July 11, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Jenny Anderson/WireImage)

When one thinks of Leslie Odom Jr., versatility stands out. While his talents have graced various artistic avenues, his role as Aaron Burr in the Broadway marvel, Hamilton, propelled him to staggering heights. This role didn’t just gift him a Tony Award but etched his name into the annals of stage legends. But Odom Jr. isn’t just a theater maestro. Albums like Simply Christmas and The Christmas Album display a voice that can mesmerize beyond theatrical boundaries.

Personal Life & Highlights

leslie odom jr.
NEW YORK, NY – JULY 11: Leslie Odom Jr signs copies of “Leslie Odom Jr” at Barnes & Noble, 86th & Lexington. On July 11, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by John Lamparski/WireImage)

Behind the limelight, Leslie Odom Jr. leads a life filled with personal milestones. He’s one-half of one of Hollywood’s adored couples, married to the dazzling Nicolette Robinson. As they journey through the adventures of parenthood and the demands of their bustling careers, their bond remains unbreakable. Odom Jr., ever the raconteur, also penned the book Failing Up, shedding light on his personal journey and the lessons therein.

Business Ventures & Philanthropy

leslie odom jr.
LAS VEGAS, NV – APRIL 25: Recording artist Leslie Odom Jr. performs onstage the 2018 Will Rogers “Pioneer of the Year. Dinner Honoring Tom Cruise at Caesars Palace during CinemaCon, the official convention of the National Association of Theatre Owners, on April 25, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for CinemaCon)

But it isn’t just the arts that captivate Odom Jr. His forays into the entrepreneurial world underscore a sharp business acumen. Whether it’s ventures tied to entertainment or otherwise, he’s demonstrated a keen sense of strategy. His heart, large and giving, beats for several charitable causes. Whether he’s championing arts education or rallying behind racial equality, his philanthropic efforts speak volumes.

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