The Broadway musical based on the life and music of Alicia Keys is a Tony Award favorite. Hell's Kitchen, which features Keys' music and is loosely based on her teenage years, was nominated for 13 Tony Awards, including Best Musical and several acting awards.
Keys, who wrote and arranged the show's score, said in an interview that he lost his mind when he found out the show was nominated. “I kind of lost it and kind of freaked out, and I was so excited, especially that all of the collaborators on this project are feeling so much love and greatness for how great they are. I'm really looking forward to everyone and Hell's Kitchen. I'm like, “Wow!” Hollywood Reporter.
“Hell’s Kitchen” follows a 17-year-old girl as she embraces music and community while dealing with a complicated relationship with her mother. Although not entirely based on Keyes' life, it is based on her teenage experiences. Keyes has been working on the story for the past 13 years with screenwriter Christopher Diaz and director Michael Greif.
Details about this year's Tony Awards
The Tony Award nominations were announced this morning, with “Hell's Kitchen” and “Stereophonic” leading the way with 13 nominations each. The latter play is his three-hour piece set in a recording studio and depicts his 70s Fleetwood, Mack-style band colliding while working on their latest record.
Other music award nominees include “Illinois,” “The Outsiders” and “Water for Elephants.”
The Tony Awards ceremony will be broadcast on June 16th on CBS and Paramount+. The show will be hosted by Ariana DeBose at Lincoln Center in New York City.
