Acclaimed singer-songwriter Alicia Keys brings her tumultuous adolescence to the stage in Hell’s Kitchen, now playing at the Shubert Theatre. Featuring many of Keys’ beloved hits, Hell’s Kitchen is an emotional journey that highlights the power of community to guide us in our darkest moments.
As Ali, Maleah Joi Moon cements herself as a star on the rise. In her Broadway debut, Joi Moon delivers a defiant and poignant performance, skilfully conveying Ali’s teenage anxieties and desires as she navigates growing up in New York City. As Ali’s overprotective mother, Shoshana Bean commands the stage with her deadpan attitude and dynamite vocals, bringing the house down with an incendiary rendition of ‘Pawn It All.’ Kecia Lewis is another one of the production’s stars. As Miss Liza Jane, Lewis delivers a soulful performance, showcasing impressive control of her lower register with Act I closer ‘Perfect Way to Die.’
One of Hell’s Kitchen’s great pleasures is how well Keys’ hits have been adapted to the stage. Thanks to orchestrations by Tom Kitt and Adam Blackstone, in a Broadway theater Keys’ anthems sound larger than life. When the cast harmonizes on ‘Girl on Fire,’ it is a moment of euphoric epiphany.
Capturing one young woman’s struggle to find herself as an artist and as an individual, Hell’s Kitchen is a story of perseverance brimming with heart.
Jeremy Jordan’s trajectory on Broadway is punctuated by his versatile talents, including his compelling voice, charismatic stage presence, and the ability to imbue depth into a variety of roles. His performances often intersect with other luminary figures in theater, creating memorable experiences on stage.
His latest is the titular role in the new Great Gatsby musical, now running at the Broadway Theatre! Starring opposite Eva Noblezada, Jordan is once again in full leading man territory, belt and charm intact. So let’s embark on this lyrical journey through Jeremy Jordan’s illustrious Broadway career until now, embellished with the finest details of his most notable productions.
“Bonnie & Clyde” (2011)
After replacement and understudy roles in West Side Story and Rock of Ages, respectively, Jordan originated his first Broadway role, Clyde Barrow, in the musical adaptation of Bonnie & Clyde, the tale of the infamous American criminal couple, known for their bank robberies during the Great Depression. Jordan appeared oppostie Laura Osnes as Bonnie Parker, sining music by Frank Wildhorn and lyrics by Don Black.
“Newsies” (2012)
Jeremy Jordan is almost synonymous with the name Jack Kelly, after the star led the ensemble of New York City Newsboys on strike in Disney’s Newsies. Jordan’s Jack Kelly is a charismatic leader fighting for justice, longing for a better life someday in Santa Fe.
“American Son” (2018)
As Officer Paul Larkin, Jordan gave his first performance in a Broadway play for Christopher Demos-Brown’s American Son. In this gripping drama that delves into the complexities of a racially charged police encounter, Jordan starred opposite Kerry Washington and Steven Pasquale, with the play later being adapted for a Netflix film
“Waitress” (2018)
One of several Dr. Pomatters during the Broadway run of Waitress, Jordan offered both comedic relief and romantic interest to the heartwarming tale of a pie-making waitress, seeking a fresh start. He played this role opposite Shoshana Bean as Jenna, together singing the music of Sara Bareilles.
With the 2023-2024 theatrical season underway, Broadway’s Best Shows is sharing some of the most exciting productions heading to the main stem in the coming months! With more shows still to be announced, this is just a first look at some of what Broadway and beyond has to offer theatergoers in the year ahead.
Most Anticipated Musical Revival: Cabaret
From across the pond, where this production of Cabaret has been playing in the West End since 2021, the Kander & Ebb classic will make its fifth Broadway appearance spring 2024. The Rebecca Frecknall-helmed revival will play the August Wilson Theatre with a cast yet to be announced (though some reporting suggests Oscar winner Eddie Redmayne will resume the Emcee role in which he opened the London production).
Most Anticipated Play Revival: Doubt: A Parable
Liev Schreiber and Tyne Daly are set to lead the first Broadway revival of the 2005 Tony-winning Best Play Doubt: A Parable. The John Patrick Shanley play, which was later adapted into a film starring Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Viola Davis, will run at Roundabout Theatre Company’s American Airlines Theatre in the new year. The theater is also set to be renamed after late Roundabout Artistic Director Todd Haimes, who passed away in May 2023.
Most Anticipated New Musical: Harmony & Water for Elephants (TIE)
After successful world premiere productions, two exciting new musicals are headed to Broadway this season, and we couldn’t pick our favorite!
With music by Barry Manilow and book and lyrics by Bruce Sussman, Harmony will play the Ethel Barrymore Theatre beginning October 18. The cast, under the direction and choreography of Warren Carlyle, is led by Chip Zien and Sierra Boggess reprising their roles from the Off-Broadway run at the National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene, and Funny Girl standout standby Julie Benko will join the cast.
Though official word has not been given, we have reason to believe that Water For Elephants is destined for a Broadway bow after wowing audiences in its Atlanta premiere at the Alliance Theatre this summer. Directed by Kimberly Akimbo’s Jessica Stone, this musical adaptation of the novelbrings high-flying circus to the stage.
Most Anticipated New Play: Prayer For the French Republic
Manhattan Theatre Club is transferring its Off-Broadway hit from last season, Joshua Harmon’s three-act epic about Jewish identity and resilience during and after the Holocaust, to the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre in early 2024. Directed by David Cromer with a cast yet to be announced, Harmon’s second Broadway at-bat after 2017’s Significant Other may have some exciting surprises in store…
Most Anticipated Comedy: Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch
Leslie Odom, Jr. and Kara Young will lead the first-ever Broadway revival of Ossie Davis’ landmark 1961 play Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch. Kenny Leon directs the biting comedy, which will run at the Music Box Theatre beginning September 7, with an opening night set for September 27. The cast also features Billy Eugene Jones, Jay O. Sanders, and Heather Alicia Simms.
Most Anticipated Off-Broadway Production: Hell’s Kitchen at the Public Theater
Alicia Keys. Shoshana Bean. Michael Greif. Camille A. Brown. This musical and theatrical A-Team is coming together to bring the world premiere of Hell’s Kitchen to New York City this fall. A semi-autobiographical musical about a young “Ali” growing up in midtown Manhattan, it will feature both classics and new songs by pop icon Alicia Keys.
Most Anticipated Special Theatrical Event: Pal Joey at City Center Encores! Annual Gala
Ephraim Sykes, Aisha Jackson, and Elizabeth Stanley lead the cast of a reimagined take on Rodgers and Hart’s Pal Joey. Set to play for just one week in November as part of New York City Center’s annual gala, the production is co-directed by Tony Goldwyn and Savion Glover, with Glover also choreographing. Also set to appear in the production are Brooks Ashmanskas, Loretta Devine, and Jeb Brown.
