Hell’s Kitchen: Love and Music in Manhattan

By Belén Pizarro for El Semanario

Posted April 23, 2026

Hell’s Kitchen is an energetic and nostalgic ‘90s coming-of-age composed by Alicia Keys and loosely based off of her own upbringing. Written by Kristoffer Diaz, the story follows 17 year-old Ali and her experience navigating her first love, questions of identity, and her family dynamic all while discovering her passion for music. Blending classic hits from Keys’ discographies with original songs written for the production the audience is given a nostalgic throwback and simultaneously fresh soundtrack. The soundtrack, performances, and set all collide to bring the audience into the vibrant setting of the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood in Manhattan.

The brilliant and striking set design brings the streets of New York to life on stage. Incorporating the use of real scaffolding, projections on the stage, and parts of the orchestra suspended above the stage, the audience is transported to the very heart of the spirited Manhattan neighborhood. In contrast, the simplicity of Ali and Jersey’s apartment and the ‘Ellington Room’ music hall in their building is used as the perfect settings for the musical’s most intimate and heartfelt moments.

*The company of the North American Tour of Alicia Keys’ Hell’s Kitchen.* **(Photo by Marc J Franklin, courtesy DCPA )**

The current North-American tour cast is filled with exceptional talent delivering a soulful and captivating performance throughout. Maya Drake, as Ali, gives a dynamic performance that brings the audience into Ali’s lively, rhythmic, and at times chaotic world. Drake portrays the yearn for independence at 17 and the simultaneous need for guidance brilliantly. Kennedy Caughell as Jersey, Ali’s mother, brings an incredible vocal performance and a fierce character presence to the stage. I, along with the audience were continually mystified by her incredibly high belts. Their combined stage presence told a beautiful and compelling mother daughter love story. Additionally, Miss Liza Jane, played by Roz White, grounded the production in the importance of pursuing your passion and serving your community. White’s dignified and powerful performance was both entertaining, humorous at times, and awe inspiring for the audience.

Beyond the talent, visuals, and the catchy ‘90s hits, Hell’s Kitchen’s storyline leaves the audience reflecting on the beauty of community, family, and pursuing your passion. Having won two 2024 Tony Awards and a 2025 Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album, Hell’s Kitchen is worthy of the accolades and attention. If you have the chance to see it while it is in town, I would highly recommend it, especially for the Alicia Keys fans out there. The production will be here in Denver through April 26th at the Buell Theater at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are available for purchase through the DCPA link: https://www.denvercenter.org/tickets-events/hells-kitchen/

Belén Pizarro is an Independent Journalist.