There are some musicals you go to see and be entertained. Then, there are the ones that make you feel something. The Hell’s Kitchen musical, Alicia Keys’ Tony and Grammy Award-winning production, definitely falls into the second category.
The Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical, Hell’s Kitchen makes its highly anticipated Canadian premiere in Toronto! This energetic coming-of-age story brings with it a whole lot of incredible tunes by Alicia Keys and amazing choreography.
It’s also a story about finding your voice when you’re still figuring out exactly who you are. Inspired by Keys’ own life, music and community, the musical follows 17-year-old Ali as she navigates family, friendship, first love, ambition and that very familiar teenage desire to break free and become your own person.
And then there’s the music. If you grew up with Alicia Keys on your playlist, hearing songs like “Fallin’,” “No One,” “Girl on Fire,” “If I Ain’t Got You” and “Empire State of Mind” woven into a live theatrical story is a pretty special experience. There’s also brand-new music written specifically for the show, so it’s not simply a greatest-hits concert dressed up as a musical. The songs become part of Ali’s story — and somehow, hearing them through these characters gives some of those familiar lyrics a whole new feeling.
What I love about a good coming-of-age story is that it doesn’t really matter how old you are. We’ve all had that moment of wondering where we fit and whose voice we should listen to. It’s also about when it’s time to trust our own. Hell’s Kitchen musical takes those universal feelings and gives them a seriously soulful soundtrack.
Roz White plays Miss Liza Jane in Hell’s Kitchen. She lives in Ali’s building who is also her piano teacher. But we learn quickly that she is much more. Miss Liza is a mentor, a confidante and almost a second mother figure. Ali first discovers her playing in the building’s music room and is completely drawn in, and Miss Liza Jane quickly recognizes a spark in this restless 17-year-old.
Through their lessons, she teaches Ali more than music. Miss Liza gives her a place to spill all that teenage anger, heartbreak, confusion and passion turning it all into something beautiful. Their relationship becomes an important part of Ali finding her own voice and discovering how music might just be the thing that helps her understand herself.
Recently we had the opportunity to chat with Roz White to learn more about the show and her character.
Alicia Keys’ music is so familiar to audiences. Is there any particular song in this story that suddenly feels fresh and offers a different perspective than first expected?
Roz: “If I ain’t got you “ is beautifully reinterpreted as a lullaby from Davis to Ali. The original version is clearly a love ballad, however in Hell’s Kitchen, It covers a range of emotions within the song from each character’s point of view and the audience gets to hear Ali’s inner monologue as well. It’s quite genius .
What surprised you most about Hell’s Kitchen once you moved beyond the Alicia Keys connection and really dug into the story?
Roz: Honestly the trajectory of Miss Liza Jane. I was shocked when I discovered she would have the journey that my Mother and many of my beloved teachers have had as powerful and lasting influence on the lives they touched, through their wisdom and nurturing spirits.
What was your first impression of Miss Liza Jane when you read the role?
Roz: I instantly knew who she was. I was so emotional just uncovering the layers of this woman and creating her back story. My first impression was that she felt divinely familiar.
Your character in Hell’s Kitchen is Miss Liza Jane – a teacher and mentor. But she also has her own history and experiences. What can you tell us and how does that impact how she teaches Ali?
Roz: Miss Liza Jane sees the combination of vulnerability and fearlessness in Ali that she knows is very much like her own experience, although in a much different time. She believes, however that Ali can heal and thrive from hearing the truth. She wants to empower her to use what’s already inside her. Because Miss Liza Jane is based on two people, I’d say that is the best way of describing her way of teaching Ali. She teaches from a stern perspective as the instructor, but she is a nurturer as the Elder family member.
Do you see Miss Liza Jane as someone who recognizes a younger version of herself in Ali?
Roz: Absolutely. Miss Liza Jane sees Ali as a reflection of her own courage and even defiance. She also sees Ali as a way to keep her own legacy alive in the community where they met and where this story is centered.
There are so many stories about the people who become stars, but fewer about the people who helped them get there. Why do you think those relationships deserve more attention?
Roz: Seeing more stories about the shoulders we all stand on would be a benefit to the entire industry. When we understand where we come from and who helped us get to where we are, we can continue the growth of purpose filled art that can inspire generations of artists.
What do you think Ali ultimately learns from Miss Liza Jane in Hell’s Kitchen?
Roz: “We’re all in this boat together …and we’re sailing toward the future… and it’s alright.” A quote from the song “Authors of Forever” (Act 2) sums up what Ali learns from Miss Liza Jane. The beauty of this story is that Ali is actively learning even as the curtain falls on the show every night. Through her relationship with Miss Liza Jane she ultimately learns that she is a part of a family and community that is at its best when everyone appreciates each other’s presence and celebrates each other’s gifts.
Did you have a mentor or teacher that gave you advice that has stuck with you to this day?
Roz: I have so many mentors who have poured into me. They all encouraged me to keep working, growing and learning …and that has been the best advice I’ve ever received. All my teachers and mentors from The DC Youth Ensemble, The Duke Ellington School of the Arts and Howard University as well as The University of the District of Columbia are in my heart forever as the foundation of my training in the arts. I am grateful for every lesson. But most importantly I am grateful for the opportunity to pay tribute to them through bringing Miss Liza Jane to audiences across North America.
What’s Your favourite Alicia Keys song of all time?
Roz: “You Don’t Know My Name” when I heard that descending arpeggio sounding like magical wind chimes and that old school r and b harmony I was HOOKED ! It’s also one of my favorite numbers in the show.
Relatable, raw, and refreshingly fun, HELL’S KITCHEN musical is a celebration of finding yourself, your purpose, and the people who lift you up. On stage at the CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre, September 23 through October 25, 2026. For more information visit, www.mirvish.com
*Lead in photo: Maya Drake as Ali and Roz White as Miss Liza Jane in the North American Tour of Alicia Keys’ Hell’s Kitchen musical. Photo Credit: Marc J Franklin.
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