Broadway's Hell's Kitchen says goodbye to its Tony-winning original star, Maleah Joi Moon, March 30 as she plays her final performance as Ali at the Shubert Theatre. Moon will be succeeded in the role by current understudy Jade Milan through May 25, with Gianna Harris becoming the role's alternate. Further casting is to be announced.
The production features music and lyrics by Keys and a book by Kristoffer Diaz. Inspired by the 15-time Grammy winner's life, the story centers on 17-year-old Ali and her mother, sharing a cramped apartment near Times Square. Ali wants to live out her NYC dream, but Mom is scared her daughter will repeat her own mistakes. Ali is further confused when her estranged father鈥擠avis, who is a musician鈥攃omes back into her life.
The show opened at the Shubert Theatre April 20, 2024, after beginning previews March 28鈥攔ead the reviews here. Michael Greif directs the work, which features choreography by Camille A. Brown.
The current cast also stars Jessica Vosk (Wicked) as Jersey, nine-time Grammy nominee Durrell "Tank" Babbs as Davis, Phillip Johnson Richardson (The Wiz) as Knuck, and Tony winner Kecia Lewis (Ain't Misbehavin') as Miss Liza Jane, along with Angela Birchett, Chad Carstarphen, Reid Clarke, Chloe Davis, Nico DeJesus, Timothy L. Edwards, Desmond Sean Ellington, Badia Farha, Vanessa Ferguson, Gianna Harris, Jakeim Hart, Takia Hopson, Gabriel Hyman, Lindsey Jolyn Jackson, Eliazar Jimenez, Kelsee Kimmel, Jackie Leon, Raechelle Manalo, Jade Milan, Onyxx Noel, Susan Oliveras, Sarah Parker, Eric Parra, Aaron Nicholas Patterson, Amanda Reid, William Roberson, Niki Saludez, Nyseli Vega, Lamont Walker II, and Oscar Whitney Jr. Casting is by Heidi Griffiths and Kate Murray.
READ: Brandon Victor Dixon Reflects on His Time in Hell's Kitchen
The music team includes music director Lily Ling and orchestrators Adam Blackstone and Tom Kitt with arrangements by Keys and Blackstone. The creative team also includes scenic designer Robert Brill, costume designer Dede Ayite, lighting designer Natasha Katz, sound designer Gareth Owen, projection designer Peter Nigrini, hair and wig designer Mia Neal, and makeup designer Michael Clifton. Foresight Theatrical is general manager, and Danny Maly serves as production stage manager.
The Broadway production was nominated for 13 2024 Tony Awards, including Best Musical. It won Tonys for Moon and Lewis' performances, and also took home the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album.
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