The curtains are set to fall on “Hell’s Kitchen,” the acclaimed musical inspired by the life of Alicia Keys, as it prepares to end its Broadway stint next month. This Tony and Grammy-winning show, which captures the essence of Keys’ life, will bid farewell to audiences on February 22 at the Shubert Theatre, according to reports from Playbill.com.
Originally a box office sensation, “Hell’s Kitchen” garnered 13 Tony nominations in 2024, including a nod for Best Musical. Unfortunately, despite its initial financial success, recent figures show a decline, with last week’s earnings of $828,188 failing to meet the necessary threshold for ongoing performances.
Musically enriched by Alicia Keys’ own compositions and lyrics, the production is set against the vibrant backdrop of the 1990s. However, despite its compelling narrative and musical score, the show’s profitability has waned, contrasting with previous weeks when it consistently brought in over $1 million.
Crafted by playwright Kristoffer Diaz, “Hell’s Kitchen” weaves a narrative around Keys’ own journey, portrayed through the characters Ali, a representation of a young Keys played by Amanda Reid, and her mother Jersey, played by Kelsee Kimmel. The story delves into the singer’s formative years in New York City’s Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood.
The production’s accolades include two Tony Awards: Best Actress in a Musical for Maleah Joi Moon, who first brought the character of Ali to life, and Best Featured Actress in a Musical for Kecia Lewis. As “Hell’s Kitchen” prepares for its final act, it leaves behind a legacy of powerful performances and a glimpse into the world of a musical icon.
The production won two Tonys: Best Actress in a Musical for Maleah Joi Moon, who originated the role of Ali, and Best Featured Actress in a Musical for Kecia Lewis.
Brandon Victor Dixon, who originated the role of Ali’s previously estranged father, Diaz, will replace Ne-Yo when he returns for the last leg of shows, as of Jan. 27, per Playbill.
Keys also shared news of the closure on her Instagram Stories, saying she was “excited to see everywhere ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ goes next!!! We’re only getting started.”
Though “Hell’s Kitchen” will be leaving behind its New York roots, it still has a nationwide tour to look forward to, as well as productions slated for Germany, South Korea, and Australia.
Daily News theater critic Chris Jones found the show both “a tribute to the artistic history of Manhattan Plaza” and “a much more personal” offering, with “a great deal to enjoy here.”
Though he bemoaned the somewhat “predictable” plot beats, Jones praised the “phenomenal” Lewis as pianist Miss Liza Jane, as well as Michael Greif’s “steely” direction, and the “visual blast” of Robert Brill’s set.
