The bustling arts culture of New York City comes to Orlando as the jukebox musical Hell’s Kitchen opens at the Dr. Phillips Center. The Broadway musical is inspired by the life and music of chart-topper Alicia Keys, taking the audience to that vibrant neighborhood circa 1990s NYC.
This coming-of-age story follows Ali, a semi-autobiographical teen based on Keys. Ali dreams of becoming a musician while butting heads with a mother who seemingly doesn’t understand her. The story hits a peak as Ali meets a street drummer who opens her eyes to the sounds of the city and helps her find her voice. Keys said that producing Hell’s Kitchen stemmed from a desire to bring diverse stories to the theater that go beyond racial stereotypes.
The musical features songs from Keys’ expansive repertoire like “If I Ain’t Got You,” “Girl on Fire,” “Fallin’” and “Empire State of Mind.” Additionally, the show features three new songs: “The River,” “Seventeen” and “Kaleidoscope,” tailored to Ali’s story. Hometown paper the New York Times praised Hell’s Kitchen as a “must-see,” so take that for what you will.
Opens Tuesday, March 3 and runs through Sunday, March 8. Walt Disney Theater at the Dr. Phillips Center, 445 S. Magnolia Ave., drphillipscenter.org, $162.
