Watch Alicia Keys perform on a Broadway stage for the first time as she kicks off the Encore Series at Hell's Kitchen. Don’t miss thi...
Watch Alicia Keys perform on a Broadway stage for the first time as she kicks off the Encore Series at Hell's Kitchen. Don’t miss this unforgettable performance! She has won the Grammy, topped the world charts and created music that has earmarked a generation.
However, on Friday, Sept. 26, and after 20 years in the limelight, Alicia Keys did something she had never done before, which was play live on a Broadway stage.
The 44-year old singer-songwriter shocked fans by joining the cast of Hell's Kitchen the fabulous musical based on her music and life experience at the Shubert Theatre in New York City, in performing the final tune of the show, the Empire State of Mind.
had its audience at the moment. Her look caused the crowd, who came to watch the show, to rise to their feet, with spectators chanting as she sang her anthem to the Big Apple.
Naturally, fans were supposed to see Keys on Friday evening, just not that soon. She was booked to headline the first night of a two-night series dubbed the Encore Sessions with Alicia Keys which is a series of intimate after-show performances by key cast members of the show.
Speaking in an excited tone, Keys came back on stage after the cast call and said: "So glad that you are here with us this very first time on the Encore Sessions. You would do well to spare it to the cast and the crew and the musicians. That is the first occasion I joined them on stage. That felt real good just now. So this was a very beautiful thing.
We just wanted to give you special experience, something that really never occurs in the Shubert Theater, she said. This would be the official first time on a Broadway stage and you came with me, so I would like to thank you first of all.
Keys continued to disclose the theme of the post-show event by saying that she would showcase songs that were not chosen to be put in Hells kitchen of the song development process. The musical incorporates the most popular hits by Keys, the songs that elevated him to fame, such as Fallin', No One, If I Ain't Got You, Girl on Fire, with new songs completely written into the production, to narrate a story of growing up in front of the stage, inspired by the life of Keys.
The construction of the show together with director Michael Greif and book writer Kristoffer Diaz had its share of conflict, Keys said. I tell you, I gave them a few things about hell. And I told you Michael Grief always was! she laughed. I said, I tell you we are not. And then he says, 'Just taste it? and I said, Ugh! Then we would put it to the test and I would say [in a disappointed tone] You are right.
Among those moments that Keys struggled to capture was the mother/daughter character Ali and Jersey (now portrayed by Amanda Reid and Jessica Vosk).
This is the way I pictured it would happen Jersey and Ali have this stand-off over this song, attempting to prove to one another that they were more of this than they were of that, said Keys. This is something we did in a few workshops, and I felt that this was working. And then when it was not working I was told by Michael that I had to write another song. I was pretty bummed out. But it was beautiful since he challenged me so that I could write what I think was my first musical theater song, and that was, 17. and that is now what comes to the work.
So what was the song that Keys wanted there? In 2007, her Superwoman, a hit by itself that she performed with Vosk.
Vosk was not the only Hell's Kitchen cast member who went on stage with Keys. Tony nominee Kecia Lewis sang with Keys on 2001's A Woman Worth and Tony nominee Christopher Jackson duetted with Keys in 2012 on Not Even the King.
The last song of the night was the Unbreakable by the album Unplugged of Keys that was on the top of the chart. The 17-time Grammy award-winner is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the LP with a fresh vinyl release on Oct. 3.
Beautiful, monumental moment," said Keys of The Unplugged album. I am so excited to mark the occasion. I cannot believe it, I tell you that it was only last night. Like, I swear! I was there yesterday and I do not know what is happening!Keyes ended her concert saying to the crowd, I love you all my heart.
Hell in the Kitchen features Angela Birchett, Chad Carstarphen, Reid Clarke, Nico Dejesus, Mykhel Duckett, Adriel Fletes, Vanessa Ferguson, Lulu Oro Hamlett, Jakeim Hart, Takia Hopson, Gabriel Hyman, Lindsey Jolyn Jackson, Eliazar Jimenez, Nico Kimmel, Jackie Leon, Raechelle Manalo, Miki Michelle, Benjamin H. Moore, Onyxx Noel, Sarah Parker, Aaron Nicholas Patterson, William Roberson, Niki
The second showing of Keys Encore session would be on Saturday, Sept. 27. The VIP packages would consist of the premium seats, a merchandise package, and a meet-and-greet with the superstar.
👉 READ ALSO: Richest Pastors in Nigeria 2021 – See the top 10 pastors, their net worth, and how they built fortune and fame.
FAQs About Alicia Keys Performs on a Broadway
What Broadway show is Alicia Keys in?
Alicia Keys is not currently in a Broadway show, but she has expressed interest in theater and music collaborations in the past.
What did Alicia Keys say about Donald Trump at the Grammys?
At the 2017 Grammys, Alicia Keys criticized Donald Trump's policies, particularly his stance on immigration and diversity.
Are Beyonce and Alicia Keys friends?
Yes, Beyoncé and Alicia Keys are friends and have supported each other throughout their careers.
What shows did Alicia Keys play in?
Alicia Keys has not starred in any Broadway shows, but she has performed in various musical productions and concerts globally.
Did Alicia Keys write a Broadway musical?
Alicia Keys wrote the music and lyrics for the Broadway musical *“Stick Fly”*, which premiered in 2011.
What is the famous Broadway musical?
The famous Broadway musical *“Hamilton”* is one of the most well-known productions in recent history, created by Lin-Manuel Miranda.