Fans are getting a glimpse at NE-YO in Hell’s Kitchen.
Earlier this month, the three-time Grammy Award winner made his Broadway debut in the hit musical inspired by the life of Alicia Keys as told through her beloved catalog of songs. And on Tuesday, Dec. 16, a first-look photo was released of singer in action.
The picture captures NE-YO as Davis, the father of the musical’s protagonist, Ali. The role was originated by Brandon Victor Dixon, who received a Tony Award nomination for his performance, and has been played previously by Durrell “Tank” Babbs and Christopher Jackson.
“I’ve performed on a lot of stages in my life, but making my Broadway debut in Hell’s Kitchen is something truly special,” NE-YO previously said in a statement. “Alicia created a world that’s real, raw, and full of soul, and stepping into the role of ‘Davis’ lets me explore a whole new side of storytelling. I’m honored to join this incredible cast and creative team, and I can’t wait to bring everything I’ve got to the Shubert Theatre.”
Created and inspired by Keys, Hell’s Kitchen follows Ali, a 17-year-old girl full of fire, as she comes of age in New York City. Relatable, raw and refreshingly fun, the show celebrates finding yourself, your purpose and the people who lift you up.
Its music blends Keys’ greatest hits like “If I Ain’t Got You,” “Fallin’,” “You Don’t Know My Name,” “No One,” “Teenage Love Affair” and “Empire State of Mind” with new songs written exclusively for the musical.
Keys, who won her 17th Grammy for the musical’s cast recording, said she was thrilled to welcome NE-YO to the production.
“I’m so excited that NE-YO is making his Broadway debut and joining the Hell’s Kitchen family,” Keys, 44, said. “His special talent is going to bring even more magic to this powerful show! Our story is about finding community, finding your place and we are excited to welcome him into the role of ‘Davis’! This is going to unforgettable!!”
Marc J. Franklin
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Hell’s Kitchen opened in April 2024 at Broadway’s Shubert Theatre, after premiering Off-Broadway in October 2023 at The Public Theater in New York City.
The musical — directed by Michael Greif, with a book by Pulitzer Prize finalist Kristoffer Diaz and choreography by Camille A. Brown — was nominated for 13 Tony Awards in 2014, including Best Musical. It won two awards, both for performance: one from lead actress Maleah Joi Moon and another for supporting actress Kecia Lewis.
Currently, Hell’s Kitchen is led by Amanda Reid, Kelsee Kimmel, four-time Grammy winner Yolanda Adams and Lamont Walker II.
The company also features Angela Birchett, Chad Carstarphen, Reid Clarke, Nico DeJesus, Mykhel Duckett, Vanessa Ferguson, Lulu Oro Hamlett, Jakeim Hart, Takia Hopson, Gabriel Hyman, Lindsey Jolyn Jackson, Eliazar Jimenez, Kelsee Kimmel, Jackie Leon, Raechelle Manalo, Miki Michelle, Benjamin H. Moore, Onyxx Noel, Susan Oliveras, Amma Osei, Sarah Parker, Eric Parra, Aaron Nicholas Patterson, William Roberson, Niki Saludez, Mariand Torres, Maggy Van Den Heuvel, Nyseli Vega, Lamont Walker II, Keenan D. Washington and Oscar Whitney Jr.
Following the Thursday, Dec. 18 evening performance of Hell’s Kitchen, NE-YO will join fellow cast members for a special holiday edition of Encore Sessions, an ongoing series of post-show, intimate musical performances that spotlight the artists behind the production. Previous Encore Sessions have featured surprise appearances by Keys herself, who performed songs from her catalog that did not make it into the musical.
VIP packages will be available for the Dec. 18 performance and include premium ticket locations, a merchandise bundle and the opportunity for a meet and greet with NE-YO.
Tickets to Hell’s Kitchen are on sale now.
