Hell’s Kitchen – The Musical at Academy of Music

It’s Hells’ Kitchen – The Musical coming to the Academy of Music, making waves as one of the newest musicals to grace Broadway’s stage. This year, the production is all set for big tour, bringing the life and music of Alicia Keys to the big stage – across North America. A Grammy-winning score, created by the 17-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and pianist herself, it’s an adventure of a lifetime that chronicles the journey of Ali – a 17-year-old girl full of fire, finding freedom and identity through her passion for music. 

“Thrilling from beginning to end, Hell’s Kitchen easily stands out as a must-see!” – The New York Times

Emotional, soul-stirring, and captivating — this coming-of-age story weaves Alicia Keys’ path to stardom through a show-stopping run of her greatest hits. With powerhouse vocal performances and pumped-up choreography, the the semi-autobiographical musical perfectly captures young Ali’s journey in a ‘concrete jungle where dreams are made of.’ Coming to one of the most renowned opera houses in the United States — the historical Academy of Music is set to transform into 1990s New York, one that turned the hopeful-yet-rebelious 17-year old singer to a global R&B, neo soul, and pop star. Whether you’re a diehard fan of the “Girl on Fire” or a sucker for great R&B beats, Hell’s Kitchen is something you cannot miss out on.

Hell’s Kitchen – The Musical Tickets

Synopsis

Enter Hell’s Kitchen – Broadway’s newest hit musical by the one and only Alicia Keys. It’s a journey that tells the tale of young Ali, a hopeful-yet-rebelious teenage “Girl on Fire.” Driven to find freedom, purpose, and her place in the world, life takes her to 1990s New York City – a concrete jungle where dreams are made of. Discover the musical mentor who played a great role in changing her life, Miss Liza Jane (inspired by real-life Aziza Miller), who was her actual music teacher in bustling Manhattan. You’ll also get to meet her family – a single mother whom she shared a deeply loving close relationship with, working in the neighborhood of Hell’s Kitchen. A vibrant neighborhood that pushed her to her limits, young Ali’s story navigates rebelious youth, her mom’s protection, her passion for the piano keys, and her relentless drive to make it big in New York.

“Iconic music and absolute powerhouse vocals.” – Variety

Finding her own voice, mending her relationship with her mother, and embracing a community where her creative journey lies deep in, Hell’s Kitchen is more than just another jukebox musical – it’s a raw and emotional deep-dive into the life of one of this world’s greatest names in music.

What to Expect

Hell’s Kitchen – The Musical is a semi-autobiographical jukebox musical loosely based on the life and journey of Alicia Keys. Built on her multitude of chart-topping hits, such as “If I Ain’t Got You”, “No One”, “Fallin'”, “Empire State of Mind”, and emotionally-charged originals like “Kaleidoscope” and “The River”, it’s one that can get you humming along, tapping your feet, and lost in wonder throughout the whole show. It’s an experience that’ll leave you buzzing as the curtains close. Every single dance umber, soaring vocal performance, and dazzling twists will leave you captivated and moved to chase those dreams. Packed with themes of rebellion, life, and love, it offers deep life lessons – no matter who you are, where you’re from, and where you’re headed.

The musical has a runtime of approximately 2 hours and 35 minutes, with one intermission. If you’re making any travel arrangements for the show, please make sure to allow some buffer time in your schedule, as the show may start slightly after the set curtain time. A trip to Hell’s Kitchen is not to be rushed at all, as you definitely wouldn’t want it to end.

“a sparkling story paying homage to New York, to that beautiful and heartbreaking transition between girlhood and womanhood,” – Variety

Meet Ali and Jersey!

Playing the 17-year old Ali, who lives in a cramped Manhattan apartment right by Times Square, is Maya Drake. This young star landed the role straight out of high school, proving her dedication to the arts – having performed numerous shows with Children’s Musical Theater San Jose for over five years. Just like young Ali, she’s working hard to chase her dreams, hoping to keep making it big in theater, film, and modeling. Her achievements include the Frank Frye Award for Singing from CMTSJ and the Brian Alfred King Award for Acting.

Kennedy Caughell bring the character of Ali’s mother, Jersey, to life. Loosely based on the mother of Alicia Keys, she offers her long run of Broadway experience to perfectly breathe life into the characters natural chaotic-yet-deeply loving attitude. The actress has captivated audiences with her amazing vocal range, emotionally-charged performances, and charming stage presence. 

The Creative Team

With music and lyrics by the one and only Alicia Keys, book by the Pulitzer Prize finalist Kristoffer Diaz, and directed by the five-time Tony Award nominee Michael Greif, it’s easy to see why Hell’s Kitchen is a musical highly praised for it engaging and captivating story, and well-weaved music throughout the whole production. With chorepgraphy by the four-time Tony Award-nominated Camille A. Brown, spectators are immersed in a pumped-up visual spectacle with atheltic & highly-rythmic dance numbers that mashes up hip-hop, jazz, tap, and African, perfectly sharing the pulse of 1990s Manhattan. 

Venue Information – Academy of Music

The Academy of Music sits right in the heart of Philadelphia, located at 240 S. Broad Street the city’s downtown area. It first opened its doors in 1857, and has been home to the world’s best artists and performers – from intimate concerts, comedy nights, to Broadway musical productions. It is the oldest opera house in the United States, still utilized for its original purpose to cultivate the arts. Standing as the “Grand Old Lady of Locust Street”, its legacy continues to be celebrated today.

Over the decades, the historical opera house has been rennovated and retrofitted with modern amenities and facilities for guest convenience. Its hall features comfortable seating, and up-to-date stage lights & sound equipment. The grand hall with balconly levels and its majestic architecture offers a unique ambiance to every show that pops up the stage. As Hell’s Kitchen takes you to the glory days of 90s New York, it’s gonna be an immersive experience as you take a seat, and be mesemrized not only by the musical’s sprawling set designs, but also by the venue’s grand vibes.

Get Your Tickets Now

Tickets to Alicia Keys’ Hell’s Kitchen – The Musical are now on sale. Being one of the newest and hottest musicals to come off Broadway, you can expect great demand for its tour across North America. For the nights scheduled in Philly’s Academy of Music, seats are filling up quite fast. Be ahead of the crowd by booking your seats throught Ticket Squeeze – your trusted partner for the best deals on musical productions across North America. Check out available sections and seats by clicking the “Get Tickets” button in this page, and you’ll be directed to our secure booking portal.

Don’t miss out by booking your tickets now!