Review by Shelby Coleman
This week, Alicia Keys’ Hell’s Kitchen presented by Broadway in Cincinnati, opened at the Aronoff Center for the Arts. The stage adaptation inspired by the upbringing and career of music mogul Alicia Keys can’t be missed!
The Story
There’s no denying the impact music artist Alicia Keys has had on the industry for over two decades. This is why it comes as no surprise that the theatre world has adapted her award-winning arsenal to create Hell’s Kitchen, the Tony-winning jukebox musical. Featuring nearly two dozen songs from Keys’ remarkable catalogue, Hell’s Kitchen brings to life the semi-autobiographical story of a struggling artist in New York as she navigates her musical journey.
Hell’s Kitchen follows the final teenage years of young artist Ali played by newcome Maya Drake. Living on the 42nd floor of an artist filled building in New York’s Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood, it is no wonder Ali soon falls in love with the music scene. As the 17-year-old navigates a struggling mother daughter relationship, first love, and finding her voice, audiences are left with a wonderful story of female empowerment and the power of music.
Strong Performances
Although Drake just recently graduated high school, she is the powerhouse of this show that brings the plucky protagonist to life. Drake brings a larger-than-life performance to the stage with smooth as butter mixes and powerful, earthy low tones that truly emulate the commanding voice of her characters real life inspiration, Alicia Keys. Perhaps it’s being so close to the turning point in Ali’s life that allows Drake to bring such authenticity to the role. Drake is kooky, gutsy and raw in her approach to each defining moment in Ali’s life. There is no doubt that Drake’s career will soar much like the dreams of her spunky character. If you haven’t yet grabbed your seat, do so immediately to catch this star on the rise.
While young love is fully expected in this newer show, what comes as a surprise is the showcasing of true love that we see not through a young romantic’s eyes, but through the unaltering love a mother has for her daughter. Being a single parent is not for the faint at heart as many would know. Hell’s Kitchen does not shy away from the devasting pitfalls that come with raising a teen but still manages to live in the refuge of the moments that make it all worth it.
Kennedy Caughell Steals the Show
Kennedy Caughell performance as single mother, Jersey, completely steals the show. The unexpected love story of this production comes from Caughell’s heart wrenching portrayal of a mother’s unconditional love for her daughter. It is no surprise that Caughell is a well-seasoned veteran of the stage. The intensity brought into each word is filled with every emotion a mother can expect to feel when raising their child. Worry, frustration, yearning and most importantly, love spew from Caughell’s performance as she struggles to give Ali the world.
Caughell not only wows audiences with her emotional presence but the vocals on this performer are unearthly. Caughell’s Act II performance of Pawn It All is, with all certainty, one of the best musical performances audiences will see for years to come. This award worthy piece brought forth a mid-show standing ovation on opening night and without a doubt will do so in each performance to come. This number alone is more than reason enough to get a ticket to this production. The grit and power behind Caughell’s portrayal of Jersey truly is something you must see.
Powerful Choreography and Design
On top of the incredible vocals showcased by each artist in this production, audiences are in for a treat with the new take on musical choreography. Camille A. Brown’s choreography for Hell’s Kitchen truly infuses New York into each beat. Brown has managed to combine the spectacle of musical numbers with the emotion of modern dance. The ensemble of this production all must be triple threats as Brown asks so much of them through movement. With inspiration from hustle and bustle of a subway commuter to Step and Juba dance from Brown’s own training, the dance ensemble holds the key to bringing the vibe and swagger of the New York artist scene to life.
While the scenic design leans into simplicity, relying heavily on steel scaffolding, an entire community is created through the diverse use of these pieces. Entire worlds are seen from inside Ali’s 42 story elevator ride. Although the stage may look deceptively minimal before the rise of the curtain, there is no shortage of spectacle and glamour when the lights, sound and ensemble come together on the stage.
Overall
Alicia Keys’ Hell’s Kitchen brings to life the music scene of New York in the 90s. With vocal performances fit for the Grammys, you must experience this show yourself. A musical made for the modern age that any music lover will enjoy. Come to spend your evening laughing, crying and dancing along as this incredible cast takes us through a new love story that is sure to become a timeless classic.
Tickets to Alicia Keys’ Hell’s Kitchen
Hell’s Kitchen will play at the Aronoff Center from January 13 – 25, 2026:
- Tuesdays – Fridays at 7:30 PM
- Saturdays at 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM
- Sundays at 1:00 PM and 6:30 PM.
Tickets start at $49. Purchase tickets online at CincinnatiArts.org, by phone at 513.621.ARTS or in person at the Aronoff Center Box Office downtown.
For groups of 10 or more, contact the group sales department at 513.369.4363. Performance schedule, prices and cast are subject to change without notice.
For more information, please visit BroadwayInCincinnati.com
