The Broadway tour of Hell’s Kitchen, featuring songs by Alicia Keys, blasted into Orlando for its latest stop, and Attractions Magazine was invited to see what all the buzz was about. The semi autobiographical jukebox musical follows a young girl coming of age in the rough and tumble neighborhood that gives the show its name.
Photos by Marc J. Franklin
Underscored by Keys’ soulful hits, Hell’s Kitchen centers on the relationship between Ali, a seventeen year old girl struggling for independence, and her single mother, Jersey, who is desperately trying to protect her daughter from repeating her own mistakes. In this performance, understudy Marley Soleil stepped into the role of Ali opposite Kennedy Caughell as Jersey.
Maleah Joi Moon as “Ali” and the company of Hell’s Kitchen on Broadway.
Soleil and Caughell are the emotional backbone of the production, and fortunately both rise to the occasion. As Ali, Soleil is passionate, vulnerable, and vocally exceptional in a way that keeps the audience rooting for her even when her choices are questionable. Caughell brings depth and restraint to Jersey, never allowing the protective mother to feel one note or shrewish. Instead, her performance captures the complexity of a woman balancing work, regret, and fierce love for her daughter. Her powerhouse rendition of “Pawn It All” is a show stopping moment, building with intensity and desperation until it brings the house down.
Brandon Victor Dixon as “Davis” and the company of Hell’s Kitchen on Broadway.
Other standout performances include Desmond Sean Ellington as absentee father Davis. His smooth vocals and undeniable charisma shine during a jazzy arrangement of “Fallin’,” offering a convincing reminder of why someone might fall for him despite knowing better. Roz White commands the stage as Miss Liza Jane, the building’s grand dame, effortlessly holding the attention of both characters and audience whenever she speaks.
Alicia Keys’ Music Drives the Story
As a jukebox musical, Hell’s Kitchen may raise some initial skepticism. The genre can be hit or miss, often bending narratives awkwardly to accommodate familiar songs. Here, however, the autobiographical foundation gives the music an organic place within the story. While the plot occasionally shifts to accommodate a hit, the songs rarely feel forced.
Maleah Joi Moon as “Ali,
” Chris Lee as “Knuck” and the company of Hell’s Kitchen on Broadway.
“Girl on Fire” erupts at a moment when Ali feels unstoppable, and the anthemic “Empire State of Mind” serves as a powerful reminder of the city’s promise and grit. Even for those unfamiliar with much of Alicia Keys’ catalog, the emotional throughline remains clear. The music is not just decoration. It is character, conflict, and catharsis.
Technical Notes
During the performance we attended, there were a few noticeable microphone and lighting glitches. The audio mix occasionally allowed the orchestra to overpower the singers, making certain lyrics difficult to catch. These are issues that can likely be refined as the tour continues its run.
Audience members should also be aware of intense lighting effects. At one point, flashing police lights shine directly into the audience for an extended period, which may be uncomfortable for some viewers. An epilepsy advisory would be appropriate.
Final Thoughts
Even for those less familiar with Alicia Keys’ catalog, the music in Hell’s Kitchen is undeniable, and the energy of the cast is infectious. At its core, the show is a story of hope, resilience, and finding your voice in a city that does not hand out second chances easily. New York may be the concrete jungle where dreams are made, but Hell’s Kitchen reminds us that those dreams are forged through grit, heart, and hard won self discovery.
The company of Hell’s Kitchen on Broadway.
Hell’s Kitchen is playing now through March 8 at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. For tickets or more information, visit HellsKitchen.com/tour.
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