Lively choreography and powerhouse vocal performances of familiar Keys favorites overcome a so-so story.
Theres a reason many Broadway purists turn their noses up at even the slightest whiff of a jukebox musical.
Wildly original, they do not tend to be.
The cast of ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ on Broadway.Marc J. Franklin
Which brings us toHells Kitchen.
Marc J. Franklin
While the venue may have changed, the story and the main cast remain the same.
And even those who didnotsee the musicals previous incarnation may get a certain sense of teen angst deja vu.
Kecia Lewis and Maleah Joi Moon in ‘Hell’s Kitchen’.Marc J Franklin
Theres a boy, naturally (Chris Lee as Knuck).
(She also really,reallydoes not like his name.)
a piano shows up with Kecia Lewis Miss Liza Jane sitting behind it.
Maleah Joi Moon and the cast of ‘Hell’s Kitchen’.Marc J Franklin
Thats about as deep as it gets.
And Bean absolutely brings the house down with bluesy pissed-off grandeur on Pawn It All.
You may not speak.
Shoshana Bean and Maleah Joi Moon in ‘Hell’s Kitchen’.Marc J Franklin
Her voice is a weapon, and she knows just when to fire.
As the young Ali, Maleah Joi Moon is a certified star.
The actress nails the seemingly contradictory teenage mix of unwarranted confidence and super-awkward romantic game.
Maleah Joi Moon and Chris Lee in ‘Hell’s Kitchen’.Marc J Franklin
Moon also has killer comedic timing.
