“Hell’s Kitchen,” a stirring coming-of-age musical, crafted by Grammy Award-winning artist Alicia Keys and Pulitzer Prize-finalist playwright Kristoffer Diaz, is set to take center stage at The Public Theater. The story revolves around Ali, a 17-year-old yearning for her piece of the New York dream, as she navigates the complexities of life in a cramped apartment near Times Square. Ali’s mother, equally determined to protect her daughter, faces her own challenges and past mistakes. When Ali falls for a talented young drummer, both mother and daughter must confront harsh realities about race, defiance, and growing up. Ali’s world begins to change when she discovers a neighbor playing the piano, leading to an unexpected friendship and a radically different future. Inspired by Alicia Keys’ personal experiences, “HELL’S KITCHEN” offers a blend of newly created music and the soulful, iconic songs of New York’s own Alicia Keys.
The music team behind “HELL’S KITCHEN” includes Emmy and Grammy-winning Adam Blackstone overseeing music supervision, orchestration by Adam Blackstone and Tom Kitt, arrangements by Alicia Keys and Adam Blackstone, music consulting by Tom Kitt, music coordination by Kristy Norter, and music direction by Dominic Fallacaro.”Hell’s Kitchen” boasts an exceptional creative team, with scenic design by Robert Brill, costume design by Dede Ayite, lighting design by Natasha Katz, sound design by Gareth Owen, projection design by Peter Nigrini, and hair and wig design by Mia Neal. Claire M. Kavanah is responsible for prop management, Danny Maly serves as production stage manager, and Tiffany Robinson and Luisa Sánchez Colón as stage managers.
The complete cast of “HELL’S KITCHEN” features a talented ensemble, including Shoshana Bean, Chad Carstarphen, Reid Clarke, Chloe O. Davis, Nico DeJesus, Brandon Victor Dixon, Timothy L. Edwards, Desmond Sean Ellington, Badia Farha, Vanessa Ferguson, David A. Guzman, Crystal Monee Hall, Gianna Harris, Jakeim Hart, Chris Lee, Jackie Leon, Kecia Lewis, Raechelle Manalo, Jade Milan, Maleah Joi Moon, Onyxx Noel, Susan Oliveras, Sarah Parker, William Roberson, Niki Saludez, Mariand Torres, Donna Vivino, and Lamont Walker II.
Alicia Keys, expressing her enthusiasm for the production, stated, “I’m so excited that Adam Blackstone is a part of this All-Star team! Everything from the Grammys to the Super Bowl has been transformed by his Midas touch and now the musical theater world will be as well! Hell’s Kitchen is so exciting, the music and every part of this show is going to touch you in a way you can’t predict! I’m so grateful for all the tremendous artists bringing the magic! Get ready!”
Originally slated to conclude on December 10, 2023, due to overwhelming anticipation, “HELL’S KITCHEN” has extended its run by two weeks, now concluding on Saturday, December 23, 2023. Tickets for the added performances will be available to Public Theater Partners and Supporters as of Tuesday, September 12, at 12:00 p.m., while full-price single tickets will go on sale Thursday, September 14, at 12:00 p.m.
The Public Theater’s Joseph Papp Free Performance initiative will provide free tickets for the opening night on Tuesday, October 24, through the TodayTix platform. For those seeking a more affordable option, $40 tickets will be available through various means, including a digital lottery via TodayTix on each performance day. Additionally, an in-person lottery will be held in the lobby of The Public Theater before every scheduled performance.
Tickets for “HELL’S KITCHEN” are now on sale. For ticket details and further information, please visit publictheater.org or call 212.967.7555, or visit the Taub Box Office at The Public Theater at 425 Lafayette Street.