Gospel icon, powerhouse vocalist, and four-time Grammy Award winner Yolanda Adams made her highly anticipated Broadway debut Friday, November 21, in the Tony Award-winning musical Hell’s Kitchen, the musical inspired by the life of 17-time Grammy Award winner Alicia Keys, who had a brief interview on-stage after the performance.
“First of all, I’m grateful, Amen, all that dancing made me feel younger,” Adams responded when asked by Keys how she felt after the debut. “I have to thank you for taking a chance and saying think about it, and I’ve always thought about it, and I tried it, and I love it!”
Adams takes over the role of Miss Liza Jane, a pivotal teacher and mentor to the main character, 17-year-old Ali, in the musical, which debuted Off-Broadway at the Public Theater in October 2023 and began performances on Broadway in March 2024. The role of Miss Liza Jane was originated by Kecia Lewis, who won the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical last year.
Adams and Lewis will alternate the role until December 13, with “Open My Heart” singer scheduled to perform until January 25, 2026.
“Performing on Broadway has always been a dream of mine,” said Adams in a statement. “Growing up a musician, Miss Liza Jane reminds me of a wonderful mentor who blessed my life immensely. Alicia Keys has crafted an amazing story that exemplifies how we are all connected in one way or another. This show feels like home! The central themes – joy, pain, beauty, and tough love – are universal experiences, allowing everyone to see themselves in this musical. I am beyond thrilled to step into Hell’s Kitchen with my fellow ensemble members and bring this amazing story to life!”
“I am beyond excited to welcome one of the greats across the globe, Yolanda Adams, to the Hell’s Kitchen family,” said Keys in a statement. “Her singular, extraordinary voice and undeniable presence will bring great power, light, and emotion to the role of Miss Liza Jane, a role created so beautifully by Kecia Lewis. Her authenticity and heart perfectly embody the soul of this story, and we are excited for audiences to witness her artistry.”
Emmy and Grammy Award winner Adam Blackstone is the musical’s music supervisor, directed by Michael Greif, with choreography by Camille A. Brown and a book by Kristoffer Diaz.
