Reel Artsy NYC - Theater Review: Hell's Kitchen

Alicia Keys' debut stage play, Hell's Kitchen, ended its run on Broadway this past weekend. It artfully embodied the triumphant spirit of New York City, and brought to life a realistic journey of a teen girl's creative becoming. Set in the 90s, Hell's Kitchen is a truly homegrown experience, based off the upbringing of Keys, who grew up just a few blocks from the bright lights of Broadway. The play leans into the hit songs that we know and love, and yet it was able to morph and become something completely all its own. It felt like a fresh take-- carving out a lasting legacy on how theater is produced, marketed and packaged. Keys is a celebrated Grammy award-winning singer who remarkably fit the new role of Broadway producer quite seamlessly. Maleah Joi Moon won the Tony Award for Lead Actress in 2024, and the play itself garnered 11 Tony Awards nominations and 2 wins. It went onto win Best Musical Theater Album at the Grammys as well. 

Accolades aside, this play is meaningful and inspiring for anyone who's ever had big dreams. In Ali, we see a teenager find her voice, and place in the world through her music. I especially loved what Amanda Reid brought to the character (who picked up the lead after Moon made her exit). Reid had the perfect blend of "awkwardly cute" main character energy to Ali, which made the audience relate and root for her. She stirred the crowd up in all the right places with romantic misadventures. I hope she leans into more theater roles (and perhaps film) that give her the creative space to flex her leading lady skills. She would shine in material that offers her the range to be a romantic comedy lead both on the stage and on-screen.

Hell's Kitchen is the kind of play that made you want to see it again, and again, with a friend or family member visiting town. It is the modern quintessential soundtrack of the city-- on any given day (or night) you can hear "Empire State of Mind" being played in the streets of New York (at least in all the tourist spots). 

For those who missed Hell's Kitchen Broadway run, be on the lookout for its touring shows hitting major cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Dallas, Seattle and Las Vegas. For more info visit https://hellskitchen.com/tour/

 

Reel Artsy NYC - Theater Review: A Sketch of New York

Live theater performances are important, and needed; especially in modern society where people are often glued to their phones. Theater demands presence-- it's an immersive experience that requires the audiences' full attention from start to finish. There's a special kind of energetic exchange that takes place between the audience and actors. Together it creates a beautiful moment of connection and engagement through the art of storytelling. This post marks my official journey into spotlighting thais sphere of artistry.

As I enter the realm of theater reviewer, I look for the same kind of guideposts that moved me in cinema and television-- performances that offer vibrant and complex characters and stories that linger with me long after the show ends. Which brings me to the indie theater production I enjoyed on 44th Street, just a few blocks away from Broadway, in a tucked away upstairs theater that feels like the kind of place where you might find your next favorite artistic gems hidden. A Sketch of New York is an ensemble cast piece written and directed by Jo DiNozzi and Darien DeMaria. It plays out as a snapshot of vignettes about various creatives experiencing life and auditions in the big city. The play itself isn't revolutionary in its structure-- but that's not exactly what I was looking for or expecting. I came to see what actors would wow me with their portrayals in this standard tale of "making it." I don't think you have to reinvent the wheel in order to offer a quality theater experience. There's something endearing about seeing how actors can elevate and stand-out in the most basic story material. Sometimes that the best thing a playwright can do is create space for actors to shine in these "everyday" roles. 

A trio of actresses stood out the the most to me in A Sketch of New York: Anye Young, Chase Mercedes and Clara Kelley. 

If I had to pick a star in this show it would be Anye Young. 

Young's on-stage presence radiated charisma and confidence. There are some actors who simply beam and have that spark, or aura, that you can tell that they'll go onto even more bigger productions. Young had that "it factor." Young possesses comedic chops, and a flare for the dramatic as well. She stood out amongst her castmates as the one most likely to be seen in a Broadway show. She's the closest in the bunch to make that jump. 

Chase Mercedes was more subtle in her approach. I could see her easily finding a niche in both theater and cinema. Her performance offered that under-the-radar gem that I had hoped to encounter. There's talent clearly there-- and with more practice under her belt she'll find her stage power on a whole new level. Mercedes is bound to be on those One to Watch lists. I'm excited to see where her acting career goes. 

Clara Kelley might be the most well-rounded character actor of the show. I could see her range on display in the few scenes she had. Her stage presence is noteworthy. 

These actresses were the bright spots of this indie theater production and I wanted to acknowledge their work. As someone who is well-versed in cinema, but newer to the NYC theater scene I know that some things are universally true-- you know and feel talent when you see it, and more importantly feel it, because good storytelling touches the heart. 

Beyond the show itself, I found the theater space of the Producer's Club charming in its authentic vibes. It had a real indie spirit to it. I look forward to watching more shows at this location. For more info about this Off-Off Broadway venue check out www.ProducersClub.com