Why Hell’s Kitchen Is Going To Be The Latest Hit Musical
New York- Nostalgic elements of the 1990’s symphonically, perfectly paired with some of Alicia Keys greatest hits. That is what Hell's Kitchen resonated while watching and listening.
The story centers around Ali,(Maleah Joi Moon) a 17 year-old girl, who starts out by inviting the audience to Manhattan Plaza of Hell's Kitchen. Other colorful musicians who live in the seemingly diverse high-rise; are friends, Tiny and Jessica her mother, Jersey-(Shoshana Bean) who is viewed as an over protective, no nonsense woman who notices Ali taking and interest in a man Knuck, (Chris Lee) a bucket drummer who is part of a group that takes up unwelcomed residency out in front the building. Ali expresses much frustration throughout the play over her mother's restrictions and over the top efforts to keep her away from him. Which is resounded in the song ("The River"). Jersey counteracts her protectiveness, highlighting that Ali is only seventeen years old and is still naïve and impulsive ("Seventeen"). Her magnificent vocal range captivates the audience immediately. Dashed with perfect comedic timing. The song definitely hits a cord with any parent dealing with a teenager.
Tickets for Hell's Kitchen are available at HellsKitchen.com and Telecharge.com. Tickets can also be purchased at the Shubert Theatre box office. Ticket prices range from $59-199. Hell's Kitchen on Broadway is produced by AKW Productions. Aaron Lustbader serves as Executive Producer. The performance schedule for Hell's Kitchen is: Monday through Saturday at 8pm, with matinees on Saturday at 2pm
When Ali and her friends notice Knuck and the drummers practicing in the building's courtyard: Tiny and Jessica urge her to make a move, while doubting that she will, at the same time. ("You Don't Know My Name"). Ali's attempts proves unsuccessful, when Knuck walks away from the “talkative “ teen’s inexperienced advances. After a huge argument with her mother. Ali decides to hide in the building's Ellington Room, a place where she would soon find solace. She notices one of the building's residents Miss Liza Jane, (Kecia Lewis) practicing piano. She quickly senses a feeling of amazement coming on with each key stroke Liza Jane plays. The observant instructor offers to teach her to play ("Kaleidoscope"). But, she stubbornly declines.
Shoshana Bean and Maleah Joi Moon -Heather Gershonowitz Photography
Ali, continues to feverishly pursue Knuck. Jersey warns her against dating a musician: she recalls falling for Ali's father, Davis, (Brandon Victor Dixon) a piano player ("Not Even the King"). Sharing instances of his continued absences and inconsistencies and empty promises. Which continues to stifle the relationships between father, daughter and - mother. In one scene, the head strong Ali, stumbles into the Ellington Room by accident, where Miss Liza Jane. This time she makes her sit down for a piano lesson, teaching her some basic music theory/fundamentals ("Un-Thinkable -I'm Ready”). These are just some elements that makes Hell's Kitchen very well worth seeing. The storyline doesn't drag. The set itself gives slight remnants of New York without the cluttered views. The cast illustrates impeccable vocal range with every song. Making all of the tunes, new or old- their very own. You’ll be thoroughly entertained for 2 1/2 hours. Directed by four-time Tony Award nominee Michael Greif, with choreography by Tony Award nominee Camille A. Brown, a book by Pulitzer Prize finalist Kristoffer Diaz.
HELL'S KITCHEN stars Shoshana Bean, Brandon Victor Dixon, Kecia Lewis, Chris Lee, and introducing Maleah Joi Moon. Featuring Chad Carstarphen (Ray/Ensemble/u/s Davis), Reid Clarke (Ensemble), Chloe Davis (Ensemble), Nico DeJesus (Ensemble), Timothy L. Edwards (Ensemble), Vanessa Ferguson (Tiny/Ensemble), David Guzman (Ensemble), Jakeim Hart (Q/Ensemble), Jackie Leon (Jessica/Ensemble), Raechelle Manalo (Ensemble), Sarah Parker (Ensemble), Niki Saludez (Ensemble), Nyseli Vega (Millie/Ensemble/u/s Jersey), Lamont Walker II ('Riq/Ensemble/u/s Knuck), Rema Webb (Crystal/Ensemble/u/s Miss Liza Jane), Donna Vivino (Standby for Jersey) with Desmond Sean Ellington, Badia Farha, Gianna Harris, Takia Hopson, Jade Milan, Onyxx Noel, Susan Oliveras, Aaron Nicholas Patterson, William Roberson, and Oscar Whitney Jr.
Hell’s Kitchen, music and lyrics by Alicia Keys, book by Kristoffer Diaz. Directed by Michael Greif. Choreography, Camille A. Brown; music supervision, Adam Blackstone; Sets, Robert Brill; costumes, Dede Ayite; lighting, Natasha Katz; sound, Gareth Owen; projections, Peter Nigrini; orchestrations, Adam Blackstone and Tom Kitt. With Chad Carstarphen, Crystal Monee Hall, Vanessa Ferguson.
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