White credits a teacher at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in D.C. who first recognized her talent and introduced her to musical theater. That encouragement eventually led her to Howard University, where she studied the craft before launching a career that spans more than 40 years.
While White brings more than four decades of experience to the role of Miss Liza Jane, “Hell’s Kitchen” also shines a spotlight on Broadway’s next generation of performers such as Alfred Jackson, an ensemble cast member and understudy for the roles of Davis and Ray.
A South-Central Los Angeles native, Jackson entered “Hell’s Kitchen” after building a career in television, film and music. His recently released album, “U.G.L.Y.” (Ur Greatest Legacy’s You) explores themes of identity, healing and self-worth, ideas that closely mirror the journey audiences will see unfold on stage.
Although music has always been his first passion, “Hell’s Kitchen” marked Jackson’s Broadway debut, a milestone he hopes is only the beginning.
“I’ve always just wanted to be a huge recording artist,” Jackson said. “But now I got a taste of it [stage acting]. That would be the next mission — to do my leading role on Broadway.”
For Sacramento audiences, that means seeing more than an Alicia Keys’ musical. It means watching established Broadway veterans share the stage with artists whose careers are just beginning to take off.
White hopes audiences arrive ready to embrace the music, the story, and the message.
“Come with an open heart, come with an open mind,” she said. “I think you will leave very uplifted.”
“Hell’s Kitchen” is at SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center from Wednesday, July 29, through Sunday, Aug. 9.