Hell's Kitchen
Portland

About Hell's Kitchen The Musical

Hell's Kitchen is a jukebox musical built on the music and lyrics of 16-time Grammy Award winner Alicia Keys, with a semi-autobiographical story about her upbringing in Manhattan's Hell's Kitchen neighborhood in the 1990s. The musical features a book by Pulitzer Prize finalist Kristoffer Diaz and began its journey at The Public Theater in October 2023 before transferring to Broadway's Shubert Theatre on April 20, 2024.

At the 77th Tony Awards, Hell's Kitchen earned 13 nominations—tied for the most of any production that year—and won two Tony Awards: Best Leading Actress in a Musical (Maleah Joi Moon) and Best Featured Actress in a Musical (Kecia Lewis). The original Broadway cast recording also won the 2025 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album.

The Creative Team

• Music & Lyrics: Alicia Keys
• Book: Kristoffer Diaz (Pulitzer Prize finalist)
• Direction: Michael Greif (four-time Tony nominee, Dear Evan Hansen, Rent)
• Choreography: Camille A. Brown (four-time Tony nominee)
• Scenic Design: Robert Brill (Tony nominee)
• Costume Design: Dede Ayite (Tony Award winner)
• Lighting Design: Natasha Katz (Tony Award winner)
• Sound Design: Gareth Owen (Tony Award winner)
• Projection Design: Peter Nigrini (Tony nominee)
• Orchestrations: Tom Kitt & Adam Blackstone

The Story

In the mid-1990s, in an apartment high above the energy and grit of Manhattan's Hell's Kitchen neighborhood, 17-year-old Ali squints toward the horizon until she can just see the Hudson River. Despite the warnings of her protective single mother Jersey, the symphony of the street calls to her—promising freedom, excitement, and the possibility of love.

When a wise piano teacher named Miss Liza Jane helps Ali find her voice, she learns she can make the city her own. It's a celebration of finding yourself, your purpose, and the people who lift you up. Relatable, raw, and refreshingly fun, Hell's Kitchen pulls you out of your seat and has you buzzing when you leave.

Featured Songs

The show features more than 20 Alicia Keys songs, including beloved hits and new material written for the stage:

• “Fallin'”
• “If I Ain't Got You”
• “No One”
• “Empire State of Mind”
• “Girl on Fire”
• “Unbreakable”
• Plus new songs written exclusively for the show

About Keller Auditorium

Keller Auditorium is Portland's premier performing arts venue, located at 222 SW Clay Street in downtown Portland. The 2,992-seat theater hosts Broadway touring productions through the Broadway In Portland series. Originally opened in 1917 as the Portland Public Auditorium, the renovated venue offers excellent sightlines and acoustics for musical theater.

How to Get Hell's Kitchen Portland Tickets

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Frequently Asked Questions About Hell's Kitchen in Portland

When is Hell's Kitchen playing in Portland?

Hell's Kitchen plays Keller Auditorium from July 14-19, 2026, with 8 performances: Tuesday through Friday at 7:30 PM, Saturday at 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM, and Sunday at 1:00 PM and 6:30 PM.

How long is Hell's Kitchen?

The show runs approximately 2 hours and 35 minutes, including one intermission.

What is Hell's Kitchen about?

Hell's Kitchen is a coming-of-age story inspired by Alicia Keys' teenage years in Manhattan. It follows Ali, a 17-year-old searching for freedom and her voice, guided by her protective mother and a wise piano teacher who becomes her mentor.

Is Hell's Kitchen based on Alicia Keys' life?

Yes, the musical is semi-autobiographical, drawing from Alicia Keys' experiences growing up in the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood of Manhattan in the 1990s. While not a literal biography, it captures the spirit of her formative years.

What Alicia Keys songs are in the show?

The musical features more than 20 songs, including Keys' greatest hits: “Fallin',” “If I Ain't Got You,” “No One,” “Empire State of Mind,” and “Girl on Fire,” plus new songs written exclusively for the show.

Did Hell's Kitchen win Tony Awards?

Yes! Hell's Kitchen received 13 Tony nominations and won two Tony Awards in 2024: Best Leading Actress in a Musical (Maleah Joi Moon) and Best Featured Actress in a Musical (Kecia Lewis). The cast recording also won the 2025 Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album.

Is Hell's Kitchen appropriate for children?

The show is recommended for ages 8 and up. It contains some strong language and mature themes. Children under 4-5 are not permitted. The production features high-volume music, loud sound effects, flashing lights, and haze.

Who directed Hell's Kitchen?

Michael Greif directs Hell's Kitchen. He's a four-time Tony Award nominee known for directing Dear Evan Hansen, Rent, and Next to Normal.

Who choreographed Hell's Kitchen?

Camille A. Brown choreographed Hell's Kitchen. She's a four-time Tony Award nominee known for her dynamic, expressive movement that explodes off the stage.

Where is Keller Auditorium located?

Keller Auditorium is located at 222 SW Clay Street, Portland, OR 97201, in downtown Portland near the South Park Blocks. It's accessible via MAX Light Rail and Portland Streetcar.

Is the touring production the same as Broadway?

The national tour features the same creative vision, staging, and choreography as the Broadway production. The touring company retains the original creative team to ensure the show's artistic integrity remains consistent.

What makes Hell's Kitchen different from other jukebox musicals?

Hell's Kitchen weaves Alicia Keys' songs into an original narrative rather than simply stringing hits together. The story was developed specifically for the songs, creating an integrated theatrical experience that critics have called one of the best examples of the jukebox musical format.