Hell’s Kitchen is a fun story that explores key themes of self discovery, love, and family, with a cast filled with people who look similar to the ones I grew up with. Musicals like this, in my opinion, are hard to find. For the longest time, I have felt like safe spaces for people of color in the theatre were almost nearing extinction.
But, when I stepped foot in this auditorium, I felt this sense of safety. Upon entering, hearing the tunes of the early 2000s play, then seeing the beautiful brown families around me singing the songs that I would listen to when I was younger, immediately made my heart feel warm.
With choreography from the notable Camille A. Brown, the audience is captivated with storytelling, not only through song but through dance. When Ali is going through something monumental in her life, we see an ensemble of people, all from diverse backgrounds, backing her up. Creating this consistent feeling of community.
I was recently granted the opportunity through R.Evolución Latina, to witness the play Liberation alongside Hell’s Kitchen, and a common theme between each of these shows are the aspects of community building. Each of these shows demonstrate power in unity, and stability through independence. As an audience member, I was able to witness these leading women independently chase for the answers they needed through building a community with those around them.
In Hell’s Kitchen, we see Ali, on this longwinded journey of self-discovery. Blinded by love, stifled by her moms discipline, and discouraged by her fathers absence, Ali has all of these obstacles against her in her effort to make her dreams a reality. With the help of her mentor, Miss Liza Jane, Ali gains an ally. Someone who will keep her on her A game. Someone who will force her to put in the work. Played by gospel singer Yolanda Adams, this story arc had a different meaning for me.
Miss Liza Jane is such an important character for this show. She brings tough love to a 17 year old who thinks everything is centered around her. Without her, I believe that Ali wouldn’t have had the depth that was built by the end of the show. The lessons that her mentor showed her, even in death, were all lessons that could be applied to any young adults looking to make their dreams come true.
Watching the story of how it wasn’t so easy to get the free education that Ali was receiving was a key moment that stood out in the play. I believe that we are all on a journey to get what we want. But, along this journey, there needs to be a sense of humility. We need to be able to see other people’s world views in our search for creativity. Only then will we be able to give back, only then will we be able to make an impact. I applaud Alicia Keys, and Kristoffer Diaz for creating a show that is universally understood.
It’s Simplistic. Yet, Impactful.
These RevLatina theater trip experiences were possible thanks to our partnership with The Harriet Tubman Effect Institute.