{"id":178945,"date":"2026-03-05T06:51:20","date_gmt":"2026-03-05T06:51:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/178945\/"},"modified":"2026-03-05T06:51:20","modified_gmt":"2026-03-05T06:51:20","slug":"theater-review-hells-kitchen-broadway-tour-in-orlando","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/178945\/","title":{"rendered":"Theater Review:\u00a0Hell\u2019s Kitchen\u00a0Broadway Tour in Orlando"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Broadway tour of\u00a0Hell\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

\"Hell'sPhotos by Marc J. Franklin<\/p>\n

Underscored by Keys\u2019 soulful hits,\u00a0Hell\u2019s Kitchen\u00a0centers 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.<\/p>\n

\"Hell'sMaleah Joi Moon as \u201cAli\u201d and the company of Hell\u2019s Kitchen on Broadway.<\/p>\n

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 \u201cPawn It All\u201d is a show stopping moment, building with intensity and desperation until it brings the house down.<\/p>\n

\"\"Brandon Victor Dixon as \u201cDavis\u201d and the company of Hell\u2019s Kitchen on Broadway.<\/p>\n

Other standout performances include Desmond Sean Ellington as absentee father Davis. His smooth vocals and undeniable charisma shine during a jazzy arrangement of \u201cFallin\u2019,\u201d 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\u2019s grand dame, effortlessly holding the attention of both characters and audience whenever she speaks.<\/p>\n

Alicia Keys\u2019 Music Drives the Story<\/p>\n

As a jukebox musical,\u00a0Hell\u2019s Kitchen\u00a0may 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.<\/p>\n

\"\"Maleah Joi Moon as \u201cAli,
\u201d Chris Lee as \u201cKnuck\u201d and the company of Hell\u2019s Kitchen on Broadway.<\/p>\n

\u201cGirl on Fire\u201d erupts at a moment when Ali feels unstoppable, and the anthemic \u201cEmpire State of Mind\u201d serves as a powerful reminder of the city\u2019s promise and grit. Even for those unfamiliar with much of Alicia Keys\u2019 catalog, the emotional throughline remains clear. The music is not just decoration. It is character, conflict, and catharsis.<\/p>\n

Technical Notes<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Final Thoughts<\/p>\n

Even for those less familiar with Alicia Keys\u2019 catalog, the music in\u00a0Hell\u2019s Kitchen\u00a0is 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\u00a0Hell\u2019s Kitchen\u00a0reminds us that those dreams are forged through grit, heart, and hard won self discovery.<\/p>\n

\"\"The company of Hell\u2019s Kitchen on Broadway.<\/p>\n

Hell\u2019s Kitchen\u00a0is playing now through March 8 at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. For tickets or more information, visit\u00a0HellsKitchen.com\/tour<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Follow us:<\/p>\n

No matter where you want to go, our trusted partner MEI-Travel will handle the planning so you can focus on the memories. They offer free vacation-planning services and have nearly 20 years of experience creating memorable vacations. Visit MEI-Travel<\/a> for a fee-free, no-obligation quote today.<\/p>\n

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