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It’s almost impossible to walk through New York City’s Times Square without hearing the chorus from the Jay-Z and Alicia Keys tune Empire State of Mind. You know it: ”Concrete jungle where dreams are made of / there’s nothing you can’t do. Now you’re in New York…”

The song has earned its place among the city’s popular anthems, alongside Kander and Ebb’s New York, New York (written for film and later included in the musical of the same name) and Bernstein, Comden and Green’s New York, New York from the musical On the Town. Perhaps it’s fitting that, like those other melodies celebrating the city that never sleeps, Empire State of Mind has found its way to the Broadway stage. 

That moment arrives in Hell’s Kitchen, the Broadway musical that channels Alicia Keys’s signature sound and her deep roots in New York City. Along with Empire State of Mind, the show features over 20 songs from Keys’s Grammy-winning catalogue, including Fallin’, No One, and If I Ain’t Got You. Penned alongside Pulitzer Prize finalist Kristoffer Diaz, Hell’s Kitchen has made waves and has rightfully earned its spot in the limelight with an incredible 13 Tony Award nominations last season.

It’s a celebration of resilience, passion, and the indomitable spirit of New York City, echoing through the dynamic narrative and electrifying score that merges pop, soul, hip-hop, and Broadway influences.

Hell’s Kitchen is more than just a musical, though—it’s a love letter to the city. Drawing from Keys’s own early life experiences amidst the streets of New York City’s Hell’s Kitchen neighbourhood, the production captures the essence of its diverse and vibrant community.

The story centers on a spirited 17-year-old who is drawn to the dynamic rhythm of the city below her apartment, despite her protective mother’s warnings. The streets promise her freedom, excitement, and the thrill of love. With the help of a wise piano teacher, the young woman discovers her unique voice, learning that she has the power to make the city her own and, in turn, finds herself. This journey is a joyful tale of pursuing dreams, while paying homage to one’s roots, identity, and individual voice.

The cast of Hell’s Kitchen features Amanda Reid as Ali, stepping into the spotlight after making her Broadway debut as a swing in last season’s show. Broadway veteran Kecia Lewis plays Miss Liza Jane, the piano teacher—a role that earned her a Tony Award for her powerful performance.

Jessica Vosk, best known for her time as Elphaba in Wicked, takes on the role of Ali’s mother, Jersey. This summer, Tony nominee Christopher Jackson—famous for portraying George Washington in the juggernaut Hamilton—returns to the stage as Davis, Ali’s estranged musician father. 

Under the skillful direction of Tony nominee Michael Greif (known for his work in Rent and Dear Evan Hansen), combined with the innovative choreography of Tony nominee Camille A. Brown, Hell’s Kitchen transports audiences straight into the bustling heart of New York City.

From its streets to the intimate moments shared between characters, every detail is meticulously crafted to offer a holistic experience of the city’s energy and spirit. After a performance at the Shubert Theatre, theatregoers are given a unique opportunity to take a leisurely stroll through the very streets that inspired the musical, as the Theatre District is conveniently adjacent to the Hell’s Kitchen neighbourhood.

Hell’s Kitchen stands out for its honest, emotional connection with the audience. Whether you’re a longtime Alicia Keys fan, a regular Broadway-goer, or just looking for a relatable story, this musical offers a powerful and engaging experience. Blending strong storytelling with a dynamic score, Hell’s Kitchen invites audiences into a world that feels real—full of challenges, growth, and heart. It’s a fresh, New York-rooted production worth seeing.

For more information on Hell’s Kitchen, visit The Broadway Collection online. As a division of The Shubert Organization, America’s oldest professional theatre company and the largest theatre owner on Broadway, The Broadway Collection is a trusted ticketing source for Broadway and beyond. Let us help you plan your New York City visit, where the big lights of Broadway will inspire you. 

This post produced in partnership with The Broadway Collection. Images by Marc J. Franklin for The Broadway Collection.