Reviewed by Amalisha HuEck
The coming-of-age, semi-autobiographical musical based on the life of Alicia Keys, when she was only 17 years of age, ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ had an opening at Pantages theatre in Hollywood. This touring show, with the music and lyrics by Alicia Keys, and the book by Kristoffer Diaz with its talented cast is vibrant, enthralling, evocative and dynamic.
The captivating and powerful music with its hit songs ‘Girl on Fire,’ ‘If I Ain’t Got You,’ ‘Falling’ and many others, shows how strong and captivating Alicia’s music is – it literally swept the audience off their feet. With its standout performance by Maya Drake as Alicia Keys, Kennedy Caughell as Mom had the audience on their feet, Roz White as a piano teacher is strong, determined, and passionate, Desmond Sean Ellington as Dad is thrilling, JonAvery Worrell as the boyfriend was appropriately intense, and all supporting cast is captivating. Their voices were unforgettable. At curtain call, Alicia Keys surprised everyone with her presence, noting her mom was in the audience, which generated even more cheers from the audience.
Hell’s Kitchen – also known as a “Clinton neighborhood” (based on former Vice President and NY State governor George Clinton), located on the West Side of Midtown Manhattan in New York City, NY, with lower rents than elsewhere in Manhattan and with its proximity to Broadway theatres, had many aspiring actors and entertainers residing there. Alicia Keys also grew up there.
Director Michael Grief (five-time Tony nominated director) together with choreographer Camille A. Brown (five-time Tony Award nominated Director and Choreographer), in a style of hip-hop keeps the young cast constantly moving with high pace and a strong beat.
The scenic design by Robert Brill, with its constantly moving background of New York City, made me feel I was there. The fire escape stairs outside the buildings served as a good platform for the cast to support the center stage performances. The vibrant, luminous, and colorful lighting creates the ambience. The simple costumes of the 1990’s are authentic; and the smooth changing of the scenes is almost magical at times.
The production of Hell’s Kitchen will be at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles, 6233 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028 until June 21, 2026. Individual tickets, as well as group tickets can be purchased through the Pantages Box Office. For tickets call (323) 468-1770 or go to www.BrodwayInHollywood.com