Kennedy Caughell—currently starring as Jersey in the national tour of Hell’s Kitchen— joins the pod squad to share her journey from growing up on a small Oklahoma farm to building a career on Broadway, reflecting on the faith, visualization, and relentless discipline that fueled her dreams.
Review: HELL'S KITCHEN NORTH AMERICAN TOUR (OKC) at Civic Center Music Hall 4/7/26
Hell's Kitchen runs from April 7th through 12th
By: AlyTheFirst Updated
The North American Tour of Hell's Kitchen 'Followed the River' to OKC!
Based on the life story of Alicia Keys, Hell's Kitchen not only brings you all of the hits, I mean all of these hits, but takes you into Alicia's world before it even starts. The tone is set by the cipher-ish DJ set (Alicia's playlist growing up, maybe?), reminiscent of 106& Park, Rap City, Digital Underground, and artists on the street corner inviting you into a melodic flow of New York (many of us grew up on IYKYK).
As the beautiful "HK" letters rise to the top of the stage, the river brings us into another place and time.....Ali's world. OKC was in for a beautiful night! We had the honor of seeing Marley Soleil in her National Broadway Tour debut and Beda Spindola in the roles of Ali and Jersey. Followed by THE Roz White as Miss Liza Jane, Desmond Sean Ellington as Davis, and the beautiful ensemble of HK dancers, musicians seen and unseen, all I can say is from the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU. This cast is filled with so much love. When I tell you it wasn't a dry eye in the house, it wasn't a dry eye in the house. I mean every single person was wiping tears away. This is how powerful Hell's Kitchen is, and you know it's good when you hear that "amen corner" in the back with an occasional "Well" or "Amen".
A true story of a mother's love for her daughter, and Ali searching for her true calling in life and in love. Marley Soleil's Ali and Beda Spindola's Jersey both shine in that love. If you've followed the career of Alicia Keys, you'll notice every single lyric, every single movement, article of clothing, and every single person in this company tells the story of those favorite songs you have and invites you into Ali's headspace in each moment of her life, moving her towards finding her true voice, honoring those shoulders on which she stands.
You'll love how the songs are arranged. (Buy that cast album too). How some of the lyrics pass from person to person surrounding Ali in the moment vs the AK album versions. I had a few moments myself during "If I Ain't Got You" filling in the blanks with Ali and her father Davis (Desmond Sean Ellington). I'm not going to give it all away because you have to see this for yourself.
As those beautiful "HK" letters closed the doorway to that other place and time, Oklahoma City became another part of the fabric in the life of Alicia Keys.
To Marley Soleil - Thank you for bringing Ali to life; you are a true gift. The magic you bring to music is one in a million. You've inspired this Aly too.
To every single person in this company, THANK YOU! Hope to see you back in OKC soon.
Hell's Kitchen North American Tour is here in OKC April 7-12, 2026. Keep following the river to the Civic Center Music Hall and bring everyone you know.
More on Civic Center Music Hall
Love Theater in Oklahoma? Join The Community!
Whether you've got past experience writing about theater or just starting, the BroadwayWorld Community offers a unique opportunity to become a champion for your local arts community, helping raise awareness of local offerings and adding another local voice to the conversation at a time arts coverage is shrinking in the press across the continent. Join us and become a pivotal part of the movement that celebrates and promotes the arts in the digital age.
Learn More
Broadway news in your inbox
Weekly top stories - unsubscribe anytime.
Weekly top stories - unsubscribe anytime.
|
Powered by
|
Podcasts
She’s belted her way through SIX, Rent, Pretty Woman and Kinky Boots — and now she’s taking the wheel in the final chapter of Alicia Keys’ smash-hit, semi-autobiographical mega-musical, Hell’s Kitchen.
Maya Drake Talks "Hell's Kitchen" Traveling To Detroit & Across The US!
Maya Drake joins The Roundtable with Robert Bannon to talk all about stepping into the role of Ali as the acclaimed national tour travels across the United States—including a highly anticipated stop right here in Detroit.
Episode 5: Shoshana Bean. This week on Odd Woman Out, Tutz is sitting down with Shoshana Bean—Grammy winner, Broadway icon, and certified vocal powerhouse behind her new album Only Smoke. No chill. No filter. Just truth.
Ep417 - Phillip Johnson Richardson: Mental Health, Identity, and the Work
We go deep with Phillip Johnson Richardson on the real stuff behind a Broadway glow up. He opens up about being a young Black man showing vulnerability onstage, the pressure to be perfect, and how identity, belonging, and mental health shape the work.
#84 - Camille A Brown - Choreographer/Dancer/Dancing Queen
Tony Nominated Director/Choreographer Camille A Brown stops by Behind the Awards to discuss Gypsy, Hells Kitchen, For Colored Girls and her journey to Broadway. Also in this episode - Bebe Neuwirth 1997 Tony win for her portrayal of Velma Kelly in Chicago and a review of Purpose.
Broadway Time at Carmine's with Jessica Vosk | Hell's Kitchen on Broadway | Broadway Time
🎭 Broadway Time at Carmine’s with Jessica Vosk 🍝 Join Joel Crump as he sits down with Jessica Vosk, currently starring as Jersey in Hell’s Kitchen on Broadway!
105. A Producer's Mindset with Marjuan Canady
How can artists cultivate a multi-faceted career while staying true to their vision and values, specifically in producing? In this episode, Jennifer sits down with multi-hyphenate Marjuan Canady—writer, actress, producer, entrepreneur, and educator— shedding light on the power of independent artistry and the evolving role of producers in the entertainment industry.
Ep 352-Broadway Star & Jersey Girl Donna Vivino Talks Playing "Jersey" In Hell's Kitchen!
If you live in Jersey, you know the Vivino Family. They have been making music, TV, and more for decades. Well, Donna Vivino is a Broadway Powerhouse! She has been in nothing but monster hit shows like "Wicked," "Les Mis," "Cats," and more.
Episode 101 | The Journey to Your Broadway Debut Panel: "Live at BroadwayCon"
Your favorite podcast hosts Jason A. Coombs and Samantha Tuozzolo are back with four incredible actors who made their Broadway debuts during the 2023-2024 season; Chad Carstarphen and Jackie Leon who star in “Hell’s Kitchen”, Carson Stewart who is starring in “The Notebook” and Morgan Anita Wood who made her Broadway debut in “Hamilton”, the week before this panel was recorded!
Episode 97 | Jakeim Hart: "Bar Work"
Join your favorite podcast hosts Jason A. Coombs and Samantha Tuozzolo , on the latest episode of Survival Jobs, as they chat with the mega talented, charming and kind Jakeim Hart who is starring as “Q” in the hit Broadway musical ‘Hell’s Kitchen’, which is nominated for thirteen Tony Awards including Best Musical this season.
Episode 95 | Kecia Lewis: "Teacher"
Join your favorite podcast hosts Jason A. Coombs and Samantha Tuozzolo , on the latest episode of Survival Jobs, as they chat with the iconic Broadway veteran and Tony Nominee Kecia Lewis in the hit Broadway musical ‘Hell’s Kitchen’, which is nominated for thirteen Tony Awards including Best Musical this season.
|
C.S. Lewis On Stage: Further Up & Further In OCCC Visual and Performing Arts Center (1/23-1/23) |
|
Tracy Letts' The Minutes Carpenter Square Theatre (10/16-11/01) |
|
Legally Blonde Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center (2/16-2/16) |
|
Jane Austen's Christmas Cracker Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park (12/03-12/20) |
|
Frankenstein Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park (10/23-10/25) |
|
The Sunkicks: Home for the Holidays Oklahoma City Community College (12/15-12/15) |
|
Straight No Chaser Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center (11/03-11/03) |
|
Lyric’s A CHRISTMAS CAROL (2026) Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma (11/25-12/26) |
|
An Actor's Carol Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park (11/27-11/29) |
|
Grady Nichols Christmas Show Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center (12/08-12/08) |
Reader Reviews
To post a comment, you must register and login.