Hell's Kitchen is saying goodbye to some beloved residents, and welcoming two new ones, at Broadway's Shubert Theatre.
Jessica Vosk and Phillip Johnson Richardson, currently starring as Jersey and Knuck (respectively) in the Alicia Keys musical, will both take their final bows November 30. In addition, Durrell "Tank" Babbs will play his encore run as Davis November 18–30.
Succeeding Vosk through January 11 will be the role's standby, Kelsee Kimmel. Lamont Walker II will succeed Richardson as Knuck beginning December 2, after creating the role of Riq in the original company. A successor for Babbs in the role of Davis is to be announced.
The current cast is led by Amanda Reid as Ali, Tony winner Kecia Lewis as Miss Liza Jane, and Christopher Jackson as Davis. Jackson will play his final performance November 9, with understudies Benjamin H. Moore and Chad Cartstarphen to take on the role November 11-16. Babbs joins November 18.
READ: Christopher Jackson on What He's Looking Forward to at 50
The company also currently features Angela Birchett, Chad Carstarphen, Reid Clarke, Nico DeJesus, Mykhel Duckett, Adriel Flete, Vanessa Ferguson, Lulu Oro Hamlett, Jakeim Hart, Takia Hopson, Gabriel Hyman, Lindsey Jolyn Jackson, Eliazar Jimenez, Kelsee Kimmel, Jackie Leon, Raechelle Manalo, Miki Michelle, Benjamin H. Moore, Onyxx Noel, Susan Oliveras, Amma Osei, Sarah Parker, Eric Parra, Aaron Nicholas Patterson, William Roberson, Niki Saludez, Mariand Torres, Maggy Van Den Heuvel, Nyseli Vega, Lamont Walker II, Keenan D. Washington, and Oscar Whitney Jr.
Hell's Kitchen features music and lyrics by Keys and a book by Kristoffer Diaz. Inspired by the recording artist's life, the story 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 Jersey is scared her daughter will repeat her own mistakes. Ali is further confused when her estranged father—Davis, who is a musician—comes back into her life.
The show opened at the Shubert Theatre April 20, 2024, after beginning previews March 28—read the reviews here. Michael Greif directs the work, which features choreography by Camille A. Brown.
The music team includes music director Lily Ling and 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, hair and wig designer Mia Neal, and makeup designer Michael Clifton. Foresight Theatrical is general manager, and Danny Maly serves as production stage manager.
The Broadway production was nominated for 13 Tony Awards in 2024, including Best Musical. It won Tonys for Maleah Joi Moon and Lewis' performances, and also took home the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album.
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