Alicia Keys is bringing her Broadway musical, “Hell’s Kitchen,” to the West Coast this week. The production, which is loosely based on the singer’s own upbringing in Manhattan, debuts at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre on Wednesday as the second stop on a 45-city North American tour.
The musical, which opened on Broadway in 2024 and earned 13 Tony Award nominations, represents the culmination of a 13-year development process. Keys, who serves as the project’s creator, expressed her commitment to the narrative, stating, “I believe in this deeply. I stand behind it. I stand for it.”
Did You Know? The musical’s touring production features a collaboration with producer and tennis legend Serena Williams, who joined the project after seeing an early performance and feeling a strong personal connection to the story.
The show is set in the 1990s and follows a 17-year-old named Ali as she navigates life in Hell’s Kitchen, New York City. The plot centers on her relationship with her mother, Jersey and her mentorship under an elderly neighbor, Miss Liza Jane. While the production incorporates specific period details—such as discussions of Rudy Giuliani’s stop-and-frisk policies and the inclusion of sidewalk bucket drumming—Keys describes the core of the show as a “timeless” mother-daughter love story.
Expert Insight: The transition from a Broadway stage to a national tour often serves as a barometer for a show’s cultural resonance. By focusing on universal themes of family and personal expression, Keys is positioning “Hell’s Kitchen” to maintain its emotional impact even outside of its original New York City context.
The touring cast features 19-year-old Maya Drake in the lead role of Ali. Keys praised the young cast members for their performance, noting that the role of Ali is a “monster, beast role” that requires significant talent. The production’s move to Los Angeles follows a successful Broadway run that concluded in February after 767 regular performances and 23 previews.
Looking ahead, fans may see further iterations of the project. While Keys remained cautious about specific future developments, she confirmed that the team is exploring various possibilities, including a potential film adaptation. A documentary titled “Alicia Keys: Girl From Hell’s Kitchen” is scheduled to premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival in June, offering further insight into the neighborhood that inspired the musical.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can audiences see the show in Los Angeles?
The musical is playing at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre, located at 6233 Hollywood Blvd., with performances running through June 21.
Who is the creative team behind the musical?
The show features a book by Kristoffer Diaz and is directed by Michael Greif, with music and lyrics by Alicia Keys and various collaborators.
What is the documentary “Alicia Keys: Girl From Hell’s Kitchen” about?
Premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival, the documentary chronicles Keys’ childhood in the Manhattan neighborhood and explores the real-life inspirations behind the musical.
What aspects of your own childhood or hometown do you feel have most shaped your current perspective on life?