Theater Review – April 29, 2026

“HELL’S KITCHEN” TAKES US ON A TEENAGER’S DISCOVERY OF HER LIFE’S PATH

“Hell’s Kitchen”
Broadway Across America – Arizona, ASU Gammage
Tempe, AZ

By Chris Curcio
Theater Critic

There’s much spirited energy displayed on the ASU Gammage stage in Alicia Keys’ feisty Broadway musical “Hell’s Kitchen.”  It is a dazzling new piece that explores Ali, a teenager who wants to discover her life and determine her direction.  The show’s problem is that the touring production uses an awful sound system which allows almost none of the dialogue or song lyrics to be heard or understood.  Thank goodness I studied the show so the goings on, while a blur at ASU Gammage, I was able to understood the show’s point of view.

Set in the down-and-out section of New York City where Ali lives and interacts with her community, she has aspirations and hopes to thrive beyond her surroundings.  Ali wants to determine her own destiny but her mother, Jersey, wants what she thinks is best for her daughter causing typical teenage rebellion by Ali.  It is tug and pull throughout with Jersey and the other adults in her life including her father, Davis, and her wise piano teacher Miss Liza Jane.

Kristoffer Diaz’s “Hell’s Kitchen” book is a thoughtful and interesting view of the challenges of growing up in today’s confused environment.  If only audiences could hear all the nuances and vibrant discussions about this perplexing topic.  Keys is a pop music icon and “Hell’s Kitchen” is her first Broadway creation.  The show uses Keys’ hit songs effectively but the composer added some new tunes so the score has a few surprises.

Director Michael Greif’s zesty production and choreographer Camille A. Brown’s expressively athletic dances make “Hell’s Kitchen” a vibrant and richly alive environment where conditions do not slow down goals beyond the milieu.  A superlative cast create memorable characterizations of these individuals and the entire ensemble sing with spirited pizazz and dance with infectious zest.

As Ali, Maya Drake makes her professional stage debut and she sparkles as she turns the teenager into a spirited, passionate, and determined person who will get out of Hell’s Kitchen.  She moves with easy fluidity and sings with a broad bravado.  She couldn’t be a better Ali.

No less impressive is Kennedy Caughell as Jersey, Ali’s mother.  Her second act anthem “Like You’ll Never See Me Again” is a soaring rendition that stopped the show while the audience expressed its admiration.  Also impressive is Roz White’s Miss Liza Jane, the all-knowing piano teacher, and Desmond Sean Ellington’s Davis, Ali’s out-of-the-picture father whose belated entrance back into her life is stirring.

“Hell’s Kitchen” is a throbbingly dynamic and richly insightful expose as it dissects an interesting teenager’s penetrating journey to discover why she is here while striving for a richer life.  It continues through Sunday, May 3.  To order tickets, call the ASU Gammage box office at 480-965-3434 or order tickets online at www.asugammage.com.

Grade: B+