Written by Stacey M. Brown
NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
@StacyBrownMedia
(NNPA Newswire) – In the heart of Manhattan, a few blocks from the 42nd-floor apartment building where the story unfolds at 43rd Street and 9th Avenue, is now home to the charming Broadway musical “Hell’s Kitchen.” The Shubert Theater stands there. 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). digging deeply. An absolutely powerful performance by Shoshanna Bean as her protective mother Jersey. The Times of the late 1990s Set against the backdrop of 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 perhaps echoes her audience's own experiences. Create stories that resonate.
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 enhanced the production. Lewis' performance of “Authors of Forever” is absolutely breathtaking, displaying 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 her life. 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 They take turns saying, “Oh, New York. Oh, New York. I got a pocketful of dreams, even if it doesn't seem like it's all there. Baby, I'm from New York! Dreams.” There's nothing you can't do. These cityscapes will make you feel brand new and the big lights will inspire you. Listen for New York, New York, New York. Let's!”
