The Fourth Walsh

Broadway in Chicago presents the North American Tour of HELL’S KITCHEN, the hit Broadway musical From Grammy Award-winning Artist Alicia Keys.           

Seventeen year old Ali lives in Hell’s Kitchen. She is being raised by Jersey, a hard-working and protective single mom. It’s the 90s and the multi-ethnic neighborhood is home to struggling artists and ‘street grit.’ Her apartment building and surrounding sidewalks are filled with musicians… trumpet players, opera singers and bucket boys. Although her mom wants her to stay put in their one bedroom apartment, Ali is hell-bent on finding love, adventure and her own voice.

This coming of age story is inspired by the seventeen-time Grammy Award-winning superstar Alicia Keys. Keys wrote, composed and co-produced this musical that debuted in 2023. The score is anchored with Keys’ popular hits. Kristoffer Diaz (book) tells the stories of Ali and Jersey falling hard for men and love’s aftermath. Keys’ songs are perfectly weaved into the moment. “You Don’t Know My Name” is a feisty flirtation as Ali (Maya Drake) tries to woo Knuck (JonAvery Worrell).   

Keys beloved hits take on new and deeper meanings in the context of the scenes. “Girl on Fire” (led by Stemarciae Bain) is an upbeat anthem of a young girl in love, learning piano and defying her mom. “Fallin” is a sexy duet between former lovers (Kennedy Caughell and Desmond Sean Ellington). And “If I Ain’t Got You” is a beautifully sweet song between an absent dad and an angry teen (Ellington and Drake). This ensemble deliver the fan favorites with powerful renditions. In particular, an effervescent Drake and commanding Caughell are sensational individually and their playful collaborative “No One” is uplifting! And nod out to the formidable Roz White (Miss Liza Jane) for her dry wit and inspirational presence.

The music is the #1 reason to see HELL’S KITCHEN with the choreography being a close #2. Choreographer Camille A. Brown orchestrates multiple energetic dance numbers. Her sequences combine 90s hip hop and breakdancing. The physicality of the movements showcase the incredible athleticism of the dancers. The numbers become even more vibrant with Costume Designer Dede Ayite’s individualistic, urban casual wear. Ayite uses colorful combinations of denim, sports jerseys, mid-riffs, and breakaway pants to establish tone and style. Brown uses her choreography as a strong storytelling vehicle. In some ballads, dancers are on the side interpreting the music through their fluid movement.

HELL’S KITCHEN is a song and dance extravaganza! It’s a unique peek into the cultural setting that raised the gifted songstress and pianist, Alicia Keys. And not to worry, “Empire State of Mind” is in the show. It’s the dazzling finale. It will send you out onto the Chicago streets singing ‘in New York… .’       

Running Time: Two hours and thirty-five minutes includes an intermission

At the James M. Nederlander Theatre, 24 W. Randolph

Music and lyrics by Alicia Keys

Book by Kristoffer Diaz

Choreography by Camille A. Brown

Directed by Michael Greif

Musical supervision by Adam Blackstone

Performances are:

Wednesdays at 1pm

Thursdays, Fridays at 7:00pm

Saturdays at 2pm and 7:30pm

Sundays at 1pm and 6:30pm

Thru November 30

For more information or tickets

Production photos by Marc J Franklin

For more Chicago theatre information and reviews, please visit Theatre in Chicago