A soulful musical inspired by Alicia Keys’ songbook falls short of delivering a captivating narrative
In the off-Broadway musical “Hell’s Kitchen,” Alicia Keys’ soul-fired songbook takes center stage, offering a glimpse into the teenage Keys’ life. With a cast of characters that are strong-willed and nice, the musical explores themes of home and community in the tough yet chummy town of New York. While the performances and music are impressive, “Hell’s Kitchen” fails to deliver a scintillating story, leaving audiences wanting more.
A Familiar Tale of Coming-of-Age
Director Michael Greif and librettist Kristoffer Diaz construct a teenage coming-of-age musical that follows a tried-and-true formula. The restless 17-year-old, the protective mom, the cute boyfriend, and the demanding teacher are all present in this story of a star and her roots. While the characters are relatable, the lack of an original and captivating narrative leaves much to be desired.
Vocalizing and Dancing Pleasures
Despite the shortcomings in storytelling, “Hell’s Kitchen” offers an abundance of vocalizing and dancing pleasures. The performances by the talented cast, including Chris Lee, Shoshana Bean, Brandon Victor Dixon, and Kecia Lewis, are sung with polished and dazzling conviction. Newcomer Maleah Joi Moon impresses in her professional debut as Keys’ alter ego, showcasing her octave-traversing voice. The choreography by Camille A. Brown infuses the urban energy of hip-hop and house dancing, providing a reliable source of electricity throughout the production.
Autobiographical Tunes
The songs in “Hell’s Kitchen” reflect Keys’ autobiographical journey, taking place in the neighborhood where she grew up. Tracks like “Girl on Fire” and “Gramercy Park” satisfy the show’s mandate, while “Pawn It All” expresses the disappointment of a lousy husband and father. While the music resonates with Keys’ fans, the reliance on “found” music limits the creative toolbox of the musical.
Lack of Originality
Throughout the 2½ hours of “Hell’s Kitchen,” it becomes evident that the musical relies heavily on standard-issue elements. The ensemble’s heartwarming performance of “Authors of Forever” and the inspirational character of Miss Liza Jane feel reminiscent of other musicals, such as “Rent.” While Keys’ fans may overlook these shortcomings, the lack of originality prevents the musical from reaching its full potential.
Conclusion:
“Hell’s Kitchen” offers a soulful and entertaining experience with impressive vocal performances and energetic choreography. However, the musical falls short in delivering a captivating narrative, relying on familiar tropes and lacking originality. While Keys’ fans will appreciate the homage to her songbook, “Hell’s Kitchen” ultimately leaves audiences wanting more than just a nice musical experience.
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