Written by Laurie Graff and Jody Prusan
A concrete jungle where dreams are born
there's nothing you can't do
you are in new york now
These lyrics from Alicia Keys' iconic hit “Empire State of Mind” set the stage for its Broadway premiere. hell's kitchen, Opening Saturday, April 20, 2024 at Broadway's Shubert Theater (225 West 44th Street), the exciting and vibrant new musical is directed by the four-time Tony Award®-nominated director. Michael Greifchoreographed by Tony Award nominee Camille A. BrownPulitzer Prize finalist book Christopher Diaz – And the music of Keyfeaturing new songs and her biggest hits.
Inspired by the life of Alicia Keys, hell's kitchen A coming-of-age story set in the 1990s, it follows 17-year-old Ali as she negotiates her life with her single mother guardian, breaks free, and discovers music and personal passions. The setting is New York's Times Square, Manhattan Plaza. The key has actually grown. Manhattan Plaza is a federally subsidized apartment complex for performing arts professionals whose mission is to provide affordable housing. It has become a creative haven for actors, singers, musicians, dancers, choreographers, comedians, and senior citizens. In fact, that's where one of the resident girlfriends gave Alicia a piano when she turned 10, which changed her life and helped her build her future. Ta.
Two SPLASH reporters got together to talk about their exhilarating experience. Hell's Kitchen:
Jody Prusan (Japan): I loved everything about this hip, heartbreaking, moving, pop production. you?
Laurie Graf (LG): completely. I hadn't seen it when it was showing at the Public Theater, so I had no idea what to expect. But they were with me from the beginning. As Ali rode the Manhattan Plaza elevator and described the musical sounds coming from each apartment and floor, we saw the amazing set design of the building and the city. I felt the heartbeat of the place.
Day: From the first downbeat to the end, I was blown away by the entire show, cast and crew. We all felt like we were taken on an amazing journey, literally sitting on the edge of our seats to the amazing Alicia Keys music.
LG: Isn't it obvious?
Day: Yes, I felt the atmosphere and energy of the audience. You won't be able to resist this shocking experience.
LG: The choreography was amazing, so lively. The ensemble is very tight. And the lead players are very good.
Day: Ali's piano teacher, Miss Liza Jane, is played by: Kesia Lewis It was a force of nature. Her vocals and presence were outstanding and wonderful.and Shoshana Bean Jersey, as Ali's mother. Shoshana Bean – Oh! I mean, you have to see what she can do! Her solo was an eye opener for her and her relationship with her daughter was really subtle and genuine.
LG: I loved when Liza Jane says to Ali, “You're here because the voices of your ancestors called for your presence.”
Day: Our program notes listed the names of four research students. If I hadn't been told, I would never have guessed there would be a cast change for the night.
LG: Gianna Harris Like ants…I mean, perfect.
Day: She was a meteor of energy. She sang, rapped, gyrated, and expertly shined lights to captivate the audience and propel the story forward. And who is the actor who plays Nack? He was smooth as butter and owned every moment.
LG: yes. Lamont Walker II It was super awesome. The two had great chemistry.and I really liked it brandon victor dixon As a separated father. However, I also felt that the Manhattan Plaza building and city background were the main characters.
Day: Agreed! hell's kitchen is like an injection of nostalgia and history that celebrates our city and a now historic time and place. Today, the blocks that define the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood are lined with trendy restaurants and high-rise buildings. But let's not forget that in the 80's this was an area rife with guts and crime.
LG: Kudos to the creators who chose to give us a behind-the-scenes look at this unique time and place.
Day: And they also skipped Alicia Keys' music. Do you like how her famous songs are incorporated into the story?
LG: We were all quietly singing “Fallin',” “If I Ain't Got You,” “Girl on Fire,” “No One,” and the wonderful “Empire State of Mind.”
Day: Plus, all great new songs included! Didn't you like “Kaleidoscope”? Sharing the video of that song shot at Manhattan Plaza: https://hellskitchen.lnk.to/Kaleidscope
LG: Thanks to Manhattan Plaza and Alicia Keys for showing us how. hell's kitchen It is the art and soul of the community.
The gorgeous cast is led by Shoshanna Bean, Brandon Victor Dixon, Keshia Lewis, Chris Lee, Marea Joy Moon. hell's kitchen The director is a four-time Tony Award® nominee. Michael Greifchoreographed by Tony Award nominee Camille A. BrownPulitzer Prize finalist book Christopher Diaz – And the music of alicia key.
feature is Chad Carstarphen, Reed Clark, Chloe Davis, Nico DeJesus, Timothy L. Edwards, Desmond Sean Ellington, Badia Farha, Vanessa Ferguson, David Guzman, Gianna Harris, Jakeim Hart, Takia Hopson, Jackie Leung, Rachelle Manalo, Jade Milan, Onyx Noel, Susan Oliveras, Sarah Parker, Aaron Nicholas Patterson, William Roberson, Niki Sardes, Niceli Vega, Donna Vivino, Lamont Walker II, Rema Webb., andoscar whitney jr.
The creative team hell's kitchen Includes: Robert Brill (landscape design), Dede Aite (costume design), Natasha Katz (lighting design), gareth owen (sound design), Peter Nigrini (projection design), Mia Neal (hair and wig design), michael clifton (Makeup design), heidi griffiths and kate murray (casting), danny marie (Production Stage Manager), and Foresight Theater (General Management).
The music team of hell's kitchen Includes orchestration by tom kitt and adam blackstoneArrangements by alicia key and adam blackstoneby Music Consulting tom kitt and music direction lily lin.
tickets for hell's kitchen Available at HellsKitchen.com and Telecharge.com. Tickets can also be purchased at the Shubert Theater box office. Ticket prices range from $59 to $199.
For more information:
HellsKitchen.com
@HellsKitchenBway
