By Hell’s Kitchen follows in the footsteps of many recent musicals that have transformed an existing music catalogue into a Broadway production. However, with thirteen Tony Award nominations that are not undeserved in any facet, it is easy to see why Alicia Keys’ semi-autobiographical story stands apart. What is delivered is a beautiful and entertaining musical, filled with her signature thoughtful lyrics, impressive melodies, and piano-driven sound.
The musical centers around Ali, a 17-year-old living in Hell’s Kitchen with her uptight mother. As Ali falls in love with a local man, Knuck, she begins to discover herself through interactions with her parents, friends, the people in her apartment building, and through music with Miss Liza Jane, an older woman who lives there. Interspersed throughout the story are the powerful and incredibly moving songs of Alicia Keys.
Maya Drake as Ali is immensely talented and fun to watch, bringing all the determination, liveliness and awkward miscues of a 17-year-old experiencing love for the first time. However, the true standouts of the musical are several of the supporting characters. Kennedy Caughell as Ali’s mother, Jersey, delivers powerhouse vocals, with “Pawn It All” proving to be a particular crowd-pleaser, and she beautifully portrays her character’s arc from strict parent to supportive mother. Desmond Sean Ellington with a velvety, warm voice shines as Davis, Ali’s absentee father, especially in “Hallelujah/Like Water,” even though he also performs some of Alicia Keys’ most well-known songs.
The truest star of the production, however, is Roz White as Miss Liza Jane. With an impressive and distinctive voice, she guides the moral heart of the musical. Her character beautifully weaves together honoring the past and ancestors with moving forward toward a meaningful life. It was particularly touching to see the musical honor trailblazing Black women in music history. However, White’s superb rendition of “Perfect Way to Die” stands out as one of the most magnificent moments of the entire show.
While the plot contains many of the typical clichés of a coming-of-age tale, the songs and extraordinary talent infuse the musical with warmth and heart, creating a story centered on relationships with parents, especially between a mother and daughter, friends, love, and society. Where the musical truly stands out is in the poignant way the lyrics and melodies give voice to life’s struggles. Themes of unsettled family dynamics and race are explored thoughtfully through the music, even if the book itself sometimes falls short. This is, unfortunately, one of the challenges of musicals built around a preexisting catalogue, with the book (Kristoffer Diaz) written afterward. At times, there is a slight disconnect between the music and the story in its final form. However, the strength of the music, the humor woven into serious moments, and the remarkable talent on stage make any shortcomings or clichés easy to overlook. The choreography, lighting, set and costume design, and the tight harmonies of the cast come together seamlessly, creating a polished and engaging production.
Fans of Alicia Keys’ music will undoubtedly enjoy this musical, but it also stands strongly on its own for theatergoers who may be unfamiliar with her work. With a talented cast and an impressive and soulful catalogue of songs, Hell’s Kitchen is a sparkling show that balances thoughtfulness with high energy in its coming-of-age tale.
Hell’s Kitchen plays at The Fabulous Fox Theater through February 8, 2026.
Photo Credit: Marc J Franklin