‘Hell’s Kitchen’ brings Alicia Keys’ story and songs to the Benedum Center
Marc J. Franklin
Jukebox musicals built around the music of Abba, the Four Seasons, Neil Diamond, Alanis Morissette, Carole King and other A-listers have found success on Broadway and across the country over the last couple of decades.
Now, it’s Alicia Keys’ turn.
“Hell’s Kitchen,” a jukebox musical inspired by the singer’s life and career in New York City, is at the Benedum Center in Pittsburgh through Sunday.
The story follows 17-year-old Ali, full of passion and eager to find her place in the world. As she navigates first love, clashes with her protective mother, and is shaped by the gritty Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood, she discovers a musical mentor who helps her unlock her true voice.
Audiences will recognize some of Keys’ best-known songs, alongside some new numbers written exclusively for the show.
Meeting an understudy
Sherée Marcelle Dunwell knows the production inside and out. At 40, she serves as an understudy for three roles: Jersey, inspired by Keys’ mother; Crystal, one of Jersey’s two best friends; and Millie, another friend of Jersey.
Preparing to step into multiple roles might feel a bit overwhelming, but Dunwell takes it in stride. “I’d say my brain is really suited for this type of preparation because it can be difficult to keep them all straight,” she said, before offering some insight into her technique. “The first thing I do is figure out how all the characters are similar, then I work on the differences.”
For Dunwell, the performance at the Benedum Center is like a homecoming of sorts. A Carnegie Mellon University graduate who studied opera, she hails from a school renowned for its world-class arts programs and a long list of Tony Award-winning alumni. “It was an amazing experience to be in the company of some of the best performers and teachers and it prepared me so much,” she said.
It takes a village
When Dunwell returned home to Boston after graduating, she began connecting with people from the Berklee College of Music, whose alumni include Quincy Jones, Diana Krall, John Mayer and other famous names. “My connections there allowed me to open up to experimenting with different styles of music,” said Dunwell, who went on to pursue a career in R&B, soul, funk, blues and jazz.
Appearing in a Broadway production is a dream come true for Dunwell.
“To be part of this at the age of 40 is pretty incredible,” she said.
As an understudy, she knows the importance of readiness. “The tours are very long and you never know what can happen-people might get sick at the same time, so we have to be prepared,” she said, adding that there are a few swings and understudies on standby.
Even so, she’s already been asked to step in. “I had my debut as Millie about a week ago and the cast and team have been amazing, kind, driven, hard-working and supportive,” she said, making a correlation to how Keys’ was supported on her musical journey.
“I was nervous, but ready to perform and the entire cast took a moment to circle around me and pray on me-it was such a special experience,” she said.
The takeaways
One of the numbers that moves Dunwell most is “Kaleidoscope.”
“That’s the song that gets me crying every time,” she said. “It’s a stunning moment in the show when Ali gets that hit of inspiration from a piano. We see a girl falling in love with music in an instant.”
Dunwell hopes the audience will walk away with a deeper understanding of a mother’s love. “What I want people to understand is the depth of love a mother feels for her daughter, even if it means giving her space. It’s powerful,” she said.
Dunwell offers up a bit of advice for anyone who is thinking of starting a career in the performing arts: “Don’t limit yourself-keep your mind broad because sometimes you don’t understand that you will love something until you try it and put yourself out there.”
For information, go online at TrustArts.org or by call 412-456-6666.