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/
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