Alicia Keys brings ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ to Chicago: A musical journey home

This fall, the Windy City prepares to welcome a bold, vibrant new chapter in musical theater: Hell’s Kitchen, the stage work created by Alicia Keys, will arrive at the James M. Nederlander Theatre from November 11 to November 30. Though Keys will not perform in the production herself, her voice echoes throughout, from chart-topping hits to fresh, deeply personal compositions written for the show.

Inspired by Keys’s own upbringing in Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood, the musical is a semi-autobiographical coming-of-age story that centers on Ali, a 17-year-old girl seeking her identity, her voice and her purpose. Set against the gritty yet hopeful backdrop of 1990s New York, the production introduces Ali’s world: a protective mother, a mentor in her piano-playing neighbor, a tight-knit community and the push-and-pull of ambition and belonging.

The score weaves together reimagined versions of Keys’ iconic songs, Fallin’, Empire State of Mind, Girl on Fire, alongside new music composed especially for the stage.

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The original Broadway run was directed by Michael Greif (of Rent, Dear Evan Hansen fame) and choreographed by Camille A. Brown. Kristoffer Diaz, a Pulitzer Prize finalist, wrote the book. Visually and technically, the production is ambitious, featuring design, lighting, sound and projection elements that aim to transport audiences into Ali’s world, cramped apartments, street corners, rehearsal rooms and the inner realms of her dreams.

One standout new song, “Kaleidoscope,” debuted ahead of the full release and captures the show’s themes: transformation, multiplicity and seeing one’s many selves.

Save the Dates —

• Performance run: November 11 – November 30, 2025
• Venue: James M. Nederlander Theatre, Chicago (located in the Loop)
• Ticketing: Groups of 10+ can already reserve seats via Broadway in Chicago. Rush tickets may be available at box office on show days. (Broadway In Chicago)

In bringing Hell’s Kitchen to Chicago, Alicia Keys invites us into her world, the places, sounds and dreams that shaped her, while giving the city a chance to see itself reflected onstage. (For tickets, more info, click here)