Written by Stacey M. Brown
NNPA Senior National
correspondent
In the heart of Manhattan, a few blocks away from the 42nd-floor 43rd Street and Ninth Avenue apartments where the story unfolds, lies the Shubert Theater on 44th Street near Eighth Avenue, now a glamorous theater. It is home to the Broadway musical Hell's Kitchen. Developed over 12 years by the incomparable Alicia Keys, this jukebox musical is a moving journey through the soulful melodies that defined her career.
At recent midweek and matinee performances, attended by Keys' own mother, “Hell's Kitchen” was as shocking as it was obvious. From the moment the lights went down to the final bow, the extraordinary performance and energy of the show was evident, with Keys' mother, Telia Joseph, heard enthusiastically cheering, laughing, and singing along throughout the performance. Ta. The musical left little question as to why a sold-out crowd flocked to the Shubert Theater in the middle of the week in bustling New York. It also gave us a lot of clues as to why the film earned her 13 nominations at the Tony Awards.
The story follows her tempestuous relationship with 17-year-old Ali (the main character, modeled after Keyes), played with great depth and charisma by Gianna Harris (understudy for Tony-nominated lead actress Marea Joy Moon). is digging deeply. An absolutely powerful performance by Shoshana Bean as her protective mother Jersey. Set in the late 1990s Times Her Square, Ali's independence and her search for love collide with Jersey's fears and desire for her daughter's safety, all of which are likely to be seen by her viewers. Create stories that resonate with your own experiences.
Harris shines in her portrayal of Ali, seamlessly weaving Keys' iconic hits like “Girl on Fire” and “Fallin'” into the fabric of her character's journey. Opposite her, Bean gives a masterful performance, capturing the raw emotion and maternal love that drives Jersey's actions.
The supporting cast, including Brandon Victor Dixon as Ali's father Davis and Keshia Lewis as Ali's spiritual mentor, the amazing Miss Liza Jane, further enhances the production. Her rendition of “Authors of Forever” by Lewis is absolutely breathtaking, demonstrating her incredible vocal range and emotional depth.
“Hell's Kitchen” may not be an exact recreation of Keyes' life, but while ostensibly it focuses solely on her life as a 17-year-old, it does offer glimpses into pivotal moments in her adolescence. can. Christopher Diaz's masterfully crafted book focuses on Ali and her journey to self-discovery, creating a story that will stay with audiences long after the final curtain falls.
With its moving performances and soul-stirring music, “Hell’s Kitchen” is a testament to Alicia Keys’ enduring legacy as a music icon. This production proved to be more than just a Broadway production. It celebrates the power of music to inspire, uplift and transform lives.
It's also a gift from Keys to New York, which ends with the heart-pounding sounds, lyrics and performance of Keys' hit song “Empire State of Mind” with Jay-Z, and the cast We alternately say, “Oh, New York; oh, New York. I had a pocketful of dreams, even if it doesn't seem like they're all there. Baby, I'm from New York! A dream is born.'' Concrete Jungle There's nothing you can do. Now you're in New York! These streets will make you feel brand new. Listen for New York, New York, New York. !”
