Hell's Kitchen

Behind the Dream

By: Alicia Keys, Lise Funderburg

Narrated by: Bahni Turpin, Imani Jade Powers, January LaVoy, Sean Patrick Hopkins, William DeMeritt, Joi Maleah Moon

A stunning behind-the-scenes look into Alicia Keys’ hit Broadway musical, Hell’s Kitchen, featuring exclusive interviews and insights from Keys herself.

Hell’s Kitchen debuted on Broadway in 2024—and the show has been electrifying audiences ever since. With plenty of awards attention, the musical has drawn sold-out crowds to the Shubert Theatre for Alicia Keys’ relatable, raw and refreshingly fun production that shows us where dreams begin. Based on Keys’ own experiences of growing up in New York City's Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood, your journey starts with Ali, a 17-year-old girl full of fire, searching for freedom, passion, and her place in the world. Along the way, you'll meet the musical mentor who changes her life, her dynamic family, and the neighborhood that helps her grow. It's a celebration of finding yourself, your purpose, and the people who lift you up.

The music—a mix of Keys’ classics and new songs written exclusively for the show—is brought to life through exhilarating choreography. It’s a soundtrack of rebellion, life, and love that speaks to you no matter where you’re from, where you’ve been, or where you’re going.

The Hell’s Kitchen book shares an intimate look inside the show’s creation, from the first spark of an idea through the musical’s thirteen-year journey to Broadway, where it continues to thrill audiences today. The book includes exclusive interviews with key cast and creative team members; first-person notes from Keys on her original songs; insights into costume creation, set design, choreography, and casting; and much more. This beautiful tribute answers every burning question a fan of the musical may have. Ultimately, it’s a triumphant celebration of Alicia Keys and New York City.

Critic reviews

“I loved every second of Hell’s Kitchen, the hit Broadway musical, and this keepsake book is a must-read. Jam-packed with behind-the-scenes content, it walks readers through Alicia’s extraordinary process of creation. So much hard work and joy went into this magical production—and this book serves as a reminder of the power there is in holding fast to our dreams.”
—Michelle Obama

“Each detail helps readers understand why Broadway shows take so long to create, what the process actually involves, and where key creatives enter the process... The photography is vibrant, highlighting the diversity of the cast, the authentic costumes, and the set details that contributed to the show’s success. Fans of Broadway musicals, as well as longtime Keys fans, will savor this.”
—Library Journal, starred review

“[A]n intimate and in-depth look at the joys and challenges of bringing an original musical to life…Theater geeks and Keys fans alike will savor this enthusiastic peek behind the curtain.”
—Publishers Weekly

“Throughout this compelling volume, the joys and challenges of artistic collaboration and the realization of a complex creative endeavor are charmingly rendered.”
—Booklist