Now, I happen to like Alicia Keys. I think her music is a brilliant blend of R&B, Soul, Contemporary Rock, Jazz, and even Gospel. It would make perfect sense for her music to land on the Broadway stage, and yes, “Hell’s Kitchen” does an absolutely breathtaking job at showcasing them with powerhouse vocality and exciting, pulsating arrangements by Adam Blackstone and Tom Kitt; it’s like hearing her music with new ears! However, that doesn’t mean the story is anything astonishing or mind blowing. It’s a nice story about family, remembering where you came from and the people who built you up, but it doesn’t sing the way that it should. I read nothing about this show in advance other than that it was somewhat based on Keys time growing up in the title area, but Kristoffer Diaz’s book just felt a little predictable. Thats not to say this plot doesn’t have some good moments and, crazily enough, some great character work. There’s even plenty of staging to praise here, and thank god Michael Greif was at the helm for this one because, even for a jukebox musical, he knows how to find the complexities needed to drive even scenes that may feel unnecessary or undercooked to a place where it can become, even if only slightly, engaging. But the big draw of all this is the pulsating, energetic choreography created by Camille A. Brown that truly captures the nature of a bustling, eclectic, and diverse New York. In addition, you’ve got three strong, powerful performances brought to you by a sensational Maleah Joi Moon as this “Girl On Fire” of a leading lady (she practically emulates Keys in every belt and riff this performer produces), the one and only Shoshana Bean as the mother of all mothers with the Elphaba voice to boot all other Elphabas out of the water, and a nearly tear-moving, transcending Kecia Lewis. If you love Alicia Keys, see “Hell’s Kitchen.” If you want fantastic dancing and powerhouse vocals/performances, see “Hell’s Kicthen.” If you like something a little bit deeper in terms of a story, this one may not be for you. But, hey, it’s a fun night out at the theatre no matter what, and it leaves you bopping, tapping, and clapping along up until the very end.
