The Alicia Keys musical Hell's Kitchen finishes its multi-extended Off-Broadway run at The Public Theater January 14, but it won't be gone for long. A Broadway transfer is on the horizon, with performances set to begin March 28 ahead of an April 20 opening night at the Shubert Theatre. Inspired by the 15-time Grammy winner's life, the musical features a score of Keys' best-known songs along with some original tunes.
Keys collaborated with book writer Kristoffer Diaz on the project, which centers on 17-year-old Ali and her mother, sharing a cramped apartment near Times Square. Ali wants to live out her NYC dream, but Mom is scared her daughter will repeat her own mistakes. The piece has been in development at The Public since at least 2023, when a casting notice for a developmental workshop was posted. The premiere is helmed by Michael Greif and choreographed by Camille A. Brown, who will both reprise their work for the Broadway bow.
The Off-Broadway cast is led by Maleah Joi Moon as Ali, opposite Shoshana Bean as Ali's mother Jersey, Brandon Victor Dixon as Ali's father Davis, Chad Carstarphen as Ray, Vanessa Ferguson as Tiny, Crystal Monee Hall as Crystal, Jakeim Hart as Q, Chris Lee as Knuck, Jackie Leon as Jessica, Kecia Lewis as Ali's piano teacher Miss Liza Jane, Mariand Torres as Millie, and Lamont Walker II as Riq.
The ensemble includes Reid Clarke, Chloe Davis, Nico DeJesus, Timothy L. Edwards, David Guzman, Raechelle Manalo, Sarah Parker, and Niki Saludez, with understudies Desmond Sean Ellington, Badia Farha, Gianna Harris, Jade Milan, Onyxx Noel, Susan Oliveras, Aaron Nicholas Patterson, William Roberson, Donna Vivino, and Oscar Whitney Jr. rounding out the company. Casting is by Heidi Griffiths and Kate Murray.
Broadway casting has not yet been announced.
The music team includes orchestrators Adam Blackstone and Tom Kitt, with arrangements by Keys and Blackstone. The creative team also includes scenic designer Robert Brill, costume designer Dede Ayite, lighting designer Natasha Katz, sound designer Gareth Owen, projection designer Peter Nigrini, and hair and wig designer Mia Neal. Foresight Theatrical is general manager.
For tickets to the upcoming Broadway run, visit HellsKitchen.com.