Get ready for a burst of creative brilliance from Alicia Keys, as Broadway is about to experience her musical magic! Titled “Hell’s Kitchen,” this brand-new musical features music by Alicia Keys herself, drawing inspiration from her upbringing in New York City.
But Alicia Keys isn’t just lending her voice to the production; she’s deeply immersed in it. Collaborating with writer Kristoffer Diaz over the past decade, they’ve revitalized her existing hits and composed fresh music tailored for the stage. Their dedication reaches its zenith with a dazzling Broadway debut on April 20th at the Shubert Theatre.
For Alicia Keys, the musical delves into a powerful theme of self-discovery. She explains, “It’s about how we find ourselves, what resonates with us, and how to break free from limitations.” These limitations may stem from self-doubt or the burdens inherited from others.
“Hell’s Kitchen” is a vibrant fusion of Alicia Keys’ beloved classics and brand-new compositions. The opening track, “Kaleidoscope,” crafted exclusively for the show, sets the stage for the journey ahead.
Playwright Kristoffer Diaz elaborated on their process of weaving the story around Alicia Keys’ music, seamlessly integrating her iconic hits while identifying opportunities for fresh melodies. He emphasizes how Alicia’s songs naturally drive the narrative forward, making them ideal for musical theater.
After 13 years of dedication, Alicia Keys poured her heart into crafting new music for both the musical and her albums. Some of these tracks, including solo compositions, found their way into “Hell’s Kitchen” after undergoing refinement and reshaping.
Describing the inspiration behind “Kaleidoscope,” Alicia Keys highlights the exhilaration of a moment coming together in spectacular harmony, leaving you in awe. “We wanted ‘Kaleidoscope’ to exude joy and energy,” she shares. “Layer by layer, we built up the music to create that kaleidoscopic experience, where the song evolves and intensifies.”
