Hell’s Kitchen – The Musical at Thelma Gaylord Performing Arts Theatre

“Thrilling from beginning to end, HELL’S KITCHEN easily stands out as a must-see!” – New York Times

If there ever has been a tale of finding yourself, your purpose, and the people who lift you up, Alicia Keys’ new musical is it – and it rings true and real. If there ever has been a jukebox musical that breaks through the cracks so often found with musicals in this genre, this one is it. If there ever has been a musical that dreams are made of, HELL’S KITCHEN is it. 

Alicia Keys’ new hit musical inspired by her life, iconic music, and community has taken Broadway by storm – and it is buzz-worthy for sure. It’s relatable, refreshing, and raw, and in a word, showstopping. Between its capability to bring down the house like you haven’t seen in a while, its star power – that is enough to light up the night sky over Manhattan, its teen-angst déjà vu-moments, its top-notch ensemble, and its at-the-core celebration of life, love, music, and of course, New York City, HELL’S KITCHEN ticks all the boxes of a massive theatrical success – and a musical production that will go down in history as one of the biggest must-sees there is! 

Beautiful Oklahoma City, the stars have aligned for you, because HELL’S KITCHEN is coming to the iconic Thelma Gaylord Performing Arts Theatre soon! 

Hell’s Kitchen Musical Tickets

“… a show-stopping semi-autobiographical off-Broadway musical that brings the house down.” – The Guardian

SYNOPSIS

Ali, a 17-year old girl living in Manhattan Plaza situated in the neighborhood of Hell’s Kitchen, Manhattan, has massive dreams and an intense drive to make them come true. Her future holds many possibilities – all of them outside the door of the Manhattan Plaza, in the “concrete jungle where dreams are made of” – New York City. 

Add to the mix an overprotective mother, a boy who hangs out in the building, and a piano teacher – no villains, no princesses, but only the internal struggle between waiting to be set free and find herself and the safety-net her mother provides – and you have a relatable tale that embraces contradictions, gives a new voice to the hellishness of late adolescence, and gently nudges you to go out and make your dreams come true. 

If Ali could do it, so could you – “there’s nothing you can’t do”. 

“HELL’S KITCHEN is ultimately a celebration of the city – and the people who make it pop.” – TimeOut

CREATIVE TEAM

HELL’S KITCHEN, the new kid on the block brought down the house on Broadway as a result of award-winning director Michael Greif’s magic touch alongside 17-time Grammy Award-winning Alicia Keys’ iconic music and lyrics. The star used a significant amount of her hits together with newly written songs throughout the musical, making HELL’S KITCHEN the true soundtrack of rebellion, life, and love – a reflection of her life. Kristoffer Diaz’ explosive book alongside high-octane choreography by Camille A. Brown just adds to the already-existing wonder of HELL’S KITCHEN. 

The creative team also includes the talents of musical supervisor Adam Blackstone, scenic designer Robert Brill, costume designer Dede Ayite, lighting designer Natasha Katz, sound designer Gareth Owen, orchestrators Tom Kitt and Adam Blackstone.

“… swoon-worthy interpretations of some of Keys’ catchiest melodies.” New York Theater

CAST

Anybody who has seen HELL’S KITCHEN, will agree that the production is professional theatre at its very best. The powerhouse cast delivers a fire-packed performance every time they hit the stage – and that in itself makes it worth it. 

Audiences across North America can look forward to experiencing the talents of Maya Drake as Ali, Kennedy Caughell as Jersey, Desmond Sean Ellington as Davis, Roz White as Miss Liza Jane, JonAvery Worrell as Knuck, Rashada Dawan as Crystal, Jeffrey May Hyche as ‘Riq, GiGi Lewis as Tiny, Chikezie Nwankwo as Ray, Marley Soleil as Jessica, and Beda Spindola as Millie. 

“Iconic music and absolute powerhouse vocals.” – Variety

HISTORY & LEGACY

HELL’S KITCHEN, a semi-autobiographical jukebox musical at the core, is built around the music and life of Alicia Keys, with a book by Kristoffer Diaz. The production made its Broadway debut at the Shubert Theatre in 2024, and was met with rave reviews. To date, HELL’S KITCHEN racked up no less than two Tony Awards, a Lucille Lortel Award, a Drama League Award, an Outer Critics Circle Award, three Drama Desk Awards, a Chita Rivera Award, and a Theatre World Award. 

“The Alicia Keys musical is a rousing delight.” – Entertainment Weekly

THE THELMA GAYLORD PERFORMING ARTS THEATRE

The Thelma Gaylord Performing Arts Theatre is one of the most beloved performance venues in Oklahoma City. With the venue’s regular line-up of the best of the best, it is just fitting that Broadway’s newest hit will make its Oklahoma City debut on the iconic stage. Featuring state-of-the-art sound and lighting, superb acoustics, perfect sight-lines, stunning amenities, and luxurious seating for up to 2,400 patrons spread across two orchestra levels, a grand tier, mezzanine, balcony, and boxes, the Thelma Gaylord Performing Arts Theatre is the go-to for all things entertainment in Oklahoma City. 

“HELL’S KITCHEN is the WE♥NYC of musicals.” – Vulture

Go ahead, get your tickets now and make your dreams come true this season!