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Hell’s Kitchen, themusical based loosely on the life of Alicia Keys, is headed to Broadway this spring. The show, with a score written by Keys and a book by Kristoffer Diaz, made its world premiere at the Public Theater on Nov. 19. The show will transfer to the Shubert Theater on Broadway starting March 28, with an opening night on Apr. 20.
“Good things take time and for 13 years, I’ve been dreaming, developing and finding inspiration for a musical based on my experience growing up in Hell’s Kitchen, NYC.Hell’s Kitchenis inspired by my life, but it’s not a biographical story. It’s a story about family relationships and identity: Who are we? Who do we want to be? Who are we becoming?” Keys said, perThe Hollywood Reporter. “The score features new songs that I’m really excited to get out into the world alongside many of my album releases that you know but you’ve never heard like this – rearranged and reinterpreted.”
According to its synopsis,Hell’s Kitchentackles“societal issues facing young people about identity, belonging, and finding yourself,” along with navigating life and love. It follows 17-year-old Ali in a “cramped apartment” off Times Square as she strives toward the New York dream. “When Ali falls for a talented young drummer, both mother and daughter must face hard truths about race, defiance, and growing up,” the synopsis reads. “Ali feels trapped, until the sound of a neighbor playing piano opens the door to an unexpected friendship and a radically different future.”
The show is choreographed byCamille A. Brown and directed by Michael Greif, who previously directedRent,Next to Normal, andDear Evan Hansen. Key’s AKW Productions is a producer on the show.
The cast for the Broadway production has not yet been announced. Principal cast members for the Off-Broadway show are Maleah Joi Moon, Shoshana Bean, Chris Lee, Kecia Lewis, and Brandon Victor Dixon.
The musical takes over the Shubert Theater fromSome Like It Hot,which announced it will closeDec. 30.
