B'way Update: Hell's Kitchen Transfers; Busch and Izzard Off-B'way

Maleah Joi Moon (right) in Hell's Kitchen.
Credit: Joan Marcus

Hell's Kitchen, the new musical employing the songs of and inspired by the life of pop singer-songwriter Alicia Keys, is transferring from its current home at the Public Theater to Broadway. Previews begin March 28 at the Shubert Theater with an opening set for April 20. The show runs at the Public until Jan. 14, 2024. Featuring a book by Pulitzer Prize finalist Kristoffer Diaz, direction by Michael Greif (Rent) and choreography by Camille A. Brown (for colored girls), Hell's Kitchen focuses on 17-year-old Ali, living in a cramped apartment with her single mom in Manhattan Plaza, finding love with an older boyfriend and discovering her musical talent with the aide of a commanding mentor. The score includes several Keys' biggest hits including "Fallin'," "Girl on Fire" and "Empire State of Mind" as well as four new songs.

Off-B'way Update: Alicia Keys Musical and More at the Public

Alicia Keys

Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Alicia Keys is coming to Off-Broadway with Hell's Kitchen, a new musical loosely based on her own life, beginning performances Oct. 24 at the Public Theater prior to a Nov. 19 opening. The score will consists of new material from Keys and her previous hits. The book is by Pulitzer Prize finalist Kristoffer Diaz (The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity). Tony nominee Michael Greif (Rent) directs and Tony nominee Camille A. Brown (for colored girls) provides the choreography. The story follows Ali, a 17-year-old girl living with her overprotective mother in a cramped Times Square apartment. Tensions are high between the two when Ali falls for a young drummer. Then, the girl hears a piano from a neighboring apartment and she begins to liberate herself through music. Newcomer Maleah Joi Moon will play Ali. The cast also includes Shoshana Bean (Mr. Saturday Night) and Brandon Victor Dixon (Hamilton).