Alicia Keys marked the first anniversary of her musical, Hell’s Kitchen, on Broadway with an over the top gala. Her husband, producer Swizz Beatz, was there too, and she was quickly followed by a star-studded cast of surprise guests. The ceremony took place on April 9, 2025, at the Shubert Theatre in New York City. Since its opening day on April 20, 2024, the musical has been absolutely melting hearts on Broadway.
Hell’s Kitchen takes from Keys’ own formative years in NYC’s colorful, kinetic Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood. The musical includes a lively mix of songs from her deep catalogue. Fans can experience her classic songs and hear new music too! More than any of these is the newly written original song “Kaleidoscope,” which Keys wrote exclusively for the show. This song has resonated enough to really connect with people. It even went on to be the theme song for the 2024 U.S. Open Tournament, cementing the track’s impact on today’s cultural landscape.
It’s an impressive artistic collaboration that powers the creative team behind Hell’s Kitchen. Director Michael Greif and choreographer Camille A. Brown are at the helm. Their combined efforts have brought to life a compelling narrative that reflects the complexities of life in Hell’s Kitchen, intertwining personal stories with universal themes. Along with playwright Worden, the cast is teeming with performers of color. Durrell “Tank” Babbs, Kecia Lewis, Jade Milan, Phillip Johnson Richardson & Jessica Vosk are just a few of the dynamic talents involved in the production.
The very public and celebratory musical first took the stage on March 28, 2024. Since then, it has gone on a phenomenal adventure and garnered critical acclaim. Most importantly, it has stolen the hearts of audiences across the globe. It won the rarefied Grammy Award for Best Musical Theatre Album in 2025. This recognition is a testament to how Hell’s Kitchen has changed the lives of artists during their time in the theatre community and beyond.
To celebrate the success of Hell’s Kitchen, the Empire State Building was illuminated in the show’s signature blue and yellow colors, an iconic gesture acknowledging its cultural significance. This visual homage was a beautiful reminder of the cultural heritage and artistic expression that Broadway stands for.
The VIP-attended performance on April 9, 2024, included prominent figures from various sectors, showcasing the broad appeal of Keys’ work. The event highlighted the collaborative spirit of Broadway, where artists come together to create meaningful experiences for audiences. This exciting new musical celebration represents a huge milestone for Alicia Keys. It marks an important occasion for all of Broadway and the theatrical world.