Deborah Bostock-Kelley — Theater Critic

The score is beautifully sung throughout, but Leave the Light On is the moment that stops the room. When the lyric lands - “I didn’t know that the last time I’d leave the house was the last time I’d leave the house” - the entire theatre goes still. That single line cracked something open in anyone who has watched someone fade or is bracing for that inevitable loss.

Hell’s Kitchen is messy, painful, joyful, and deeply honest. A girl finding her voice. A mother learning to loosen her grip. A community carrying both beauty and burden with New York as a backdrop that shapes them all.

Lois Ellise’s Juliet was phenomenal, bringing innocence, rebellion, and comic spark to a character we all thought we knew. Her voice soared, and she wasn’t alone. Angelique, Juliet’s nursemaid, played by Kathryn Allison, matched her note for note. Together, they formed powerhouse vocalists who lifted the score into something transcendent. Every time Juliet, Angelique, or Anne stepped into a number, the audience leaned forward, knowing they were about to be hit with something extraordinary.

And the puppeteer animals? Absolute beauty. Crafted with such grace and operated with such soul, they transcended mechanics and became living, breathing characters. They moved with such grace and emotion that you forgot they weren’t real. The horse (Yves Artieres), in particular, was unforgettable. The actor didn’t just operate the puppet—he became the horse. Every flick of the tail, every tremble of muscle, every glance was so heartbreakingly real that when a sad scene came to pass, tears welled in my eyes. It was devastating and beautiful.

From the first beat, the show pulses with energy. The choreography is crisp and full of character, with dancers stomping, spinning, and shuffling through routines that somehow feel both tightly rehearsed and joyously unhinged. Vocally, the cast is phenomenal. Every note lands with clarity and heart, with harmonies that swell and soar and solos that stop you in your tracks. ‘Best Friends’ is a standout with Lulu (Miki Abraham) and Maizy (Danielle Wade)—a tender duet about family and choosing who is your Best Friend. ‘OK’ by melancholy Beau (Jake Odmark) left the audience broken-hearted. ‘Independently Owned’ was another showstopper by Lulu. There truly was only powerhouse standout vocals in the entire ensemble. The soundtrack to this comedy romp was exceptional.

The talented ensemble cast brings the characters to life with gusto. Each actor shines in their role, leaving no room for dull moments as the performances are top-notch. The chemistry among these actors is electric. Their banter, slapstick moments, and seamless interactions create a cohesive ensemble.

With vibrant performances, catchy tunes, and a set design that defies the laws of the afterlife, this musical adaptation of Tim Burton's cult classic film is brought to life in a way that pays homage to the beloved classic and adds a unique lyrical twist.