 Roy Berko The touring production of HELL’S KITCHEN is special. It far succeeds the expectations for a juke-box musical. The director, choreographer, music-supervisor, technical staff, cast and crew well-deserved the extra-long-standing ovation the production received. It is a show I could see again and again and be satisfied each time. Bravo! |
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.
Howard Gollop
Every member of the cast astounds the audience with dancing and singing abilities -- powerfully, yet charmingly, headed by Maya Drake as Ali (i.e teenage Keys). Roz White regally takes on the role of Ali's mentor Miss Liza Jane, a character invented just for the musical to reflect the great tradition of black female blues and jazz pianists and songwriters in the vein of Etta James. Even in the rather thankless role of Ali's slightly domineering mother, Kennedy Caughell stops the show in the heart-wrenching ballad "Pawn it All." With a talent deck that's as stacked as the new touring production of "Hell's Kitchen," it's of no surprise that this jukebox musical quickly transcends from seen-it-done-it to let's see it again.
To see a full review of this show, read Howard Gollop's review here.
Sheri Gross
When the North American Tour of “Hell’s Kitchen” was launched right here in Downtown Cleveland’s Playhouse Square, the city didn’t just get a stop on the map; it got a subway train full of big-city dreams barreling through.
Mark Horning
Opening night saw a capacity crowd greet this production with open arms and a rousing well deserved standing ovation. This show is simply that good. The fusion of superb singing, acting, dancing, lights, sound, and music will carry you away from your troubles (at least for a couple of hours). After all, this is what great theater does...helps us escape. Come enjoy the thrill of great live theater.
To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning's Review here.
Laura Kennelly
Hell’s Kitchen, straight from Broadway, has come to Cleveland’s Playhouse Square. It got a warm welcome from the packed State Theatre audience on the official Opening Night (October 15). It was well-deserved.
Whether it was stage-shakin’ dancing or soulful songs, the production did honor to the idea that it takes both grit and love to weld one’s life and dreams into a productive whole. Alicia Keys (music and lyrics), Kristoffer Diaz (book), Adam Blackstone (music supervision), Camille A. Brown (choreography), and Michael Greif (director) created the show, which is still running on Broadway.
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Bottom Line: Mesmerizing introduction to the wonders of Miz Alicia Keys. Go if you can.
To see a full review of this show, read Laura's posts at Cool Cleveland.
Gwendolyn Kochur
The “Hell’s Kitchen” musical is much like the adapted version of “Empire State of Mind” that it uses to close out the show: it foregoes grittiness and a hard plot for big lights (and even bigger talent) that will inspire (and entertain) you.
To see a full review of this show, read Gwendolyn's review in Cleveland Scene.
Joey Morona
Powered by Alicia Keys’ timeless songs and a charismatic, immensely talented young lead, “Hell’s Kitchen” is as soulful and authentic as the artist who brought it to the stage — and just as entertaining.
To see a full review of this show, read Joey's posts here.
