JERMAINE SAIN | WHEN WE SPEAK TV
So I went from Atlanta to Charlotte to experience Hell’s Kitchen… and no, not the restaurant. I’m talking about the Alicia Keys musical.
Before the show even started, I was already taking everything in. I checked out the theater, grabbed some Hell’s Kitchen merchandise, and of course I had to get a photo before heading inside.
If you follow When We Speak TV, you already know that I love great music, live entertainment, and experiences that give you something to talk about afterward. Hell’s Kitchen definitely did that.
The Cast Was Incredible
The entire cast was talented, but one of the voices that immediately stood out to me was Desmond Sean Ellington, who plays Davis, the father of Ali.
There was just something about his voice that caught my attention. I especially enjoyed the way the music connected his character to the story, including “Not Even the King.”
What I enjoyed about Hell’s Kitchen overall was the way Alicia Keys’ music was woven into the story rather than simply feeling like a collection of familiar songs. You may recognize the music, but hearing it within the context of these characters gives some of the songs an entirely different emotional weight.
The Moment That Really Got Me
I’m not ashamed to say that if something touches me, I might shed a tear or two.
That happened during Roz White’s performance as Miss Liza Jane, the woman who helps introduce Ali to the piano.
Her performance of “Perfect Way to Die” was one of those moments where I found myself really listening to the words and feeling what was happening on stage.
A tear or two definitely dropped.
That’s one of the things I appreciate about live theater. You can know a song before you walk into the building, but the right performer, story, and moment can make you hear it differently.
From Atlanta to Charlotte for Hell’s Kitchen
Was driving from Atlanta to Charlotte a little extra just to see a musical?
Maybe.
But sometimes the experience is part of the story.
From grabbing the merch to sitting in the theater and seeing that HK set in front of me, I was glad I made the trip.
If you haven’t seen my quick Hell’s Kitchen Short yet, watch it above for a look at my pre-show experience, the merchandise I picked up and my view from inside the theater.
And if you’ve already seen Hell’s Kitchen, I want to know: What was YOUR favorite performance or song?
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When We Speak TV with Jermaine Sain covers entertainment, celebrity interviews, live performances, culture, food and those interesting moments and experiences that are worth talking about.
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