Summary of Podcast Episode: GRAMMY NOMINEE: Alicia Keys

Podcast Information

• Title: Sunday Sitdown with Willie Geist
• Host: Willie Geist, Sunday TODAY
• Episode: GRAMMY NOMINEE: Alicia Keys
• Release Date: January 31, 2025

Introduction In this episode of "Sunday Sitdown with Willie Geist," host Willie Geist engages in an in-depth conversation with renowned artist Alicia Keys. The discussion centers around Alicia's latest venture—a Broadway musical titled Hell's Kitchen—which draws inspiration from her own upbringing in New York City's Hell's Kitchen neighborhood. The episode delves into the creative process behind the musical, Alicia's personal journey, and her reflections on fame and artistry.

1. Alicia Keys' Broadway Musical: Hell's Kitchen

Overview of the Musical Alicia Keys introduces Hell's Kitchen as a heartfelt coming-of-age story set in her beloved Hell's Kitchen neighborhood. Although the musical is loosely based on her life, Alicia emphasizes that it is not autobiographical. Instead, it captures the essence of her experiences growing up and the vibrant culture of 1990s New York City.

Key Insights:

• Development Journey: Alicia reveals that the musical has been in development for over 13 years, highlighting her dedication to the project. "I've been dreaming about and working on for more than a decade," she shares ([27:31]).

• Setting and Inspiration: The story centers around Ally, a 17-year-old girl navigating the challenges of adolescence in a tough neighborhood. Alicia draws parallels between Ally's journey and her own upbringing, albeit with creative liberties. "I grew up with a single mother. I learned how to love music while growing up in my building in Hell's Kitchen," she explains ([03:38]).

Notable Quotes:

• "This is a dream come true for her as she grew up just around the corner from the theater... it's incredibly well acted." — Alicia Keys ([01:07])
• "Remember where dreams begin. Everyone can remember where their dreams began, even if it was just yesterday." — Alicia Keys ([31:03])

2. Creative Collaboration and Production

Collaborative Efforts: Alicia discusses the importance of her collaboration with key individuals who helped bring Hell's Kitchen to life. She credits book writer Chris Diaz and seasoned director Michael Greif for their invaluable contributions.

Key Insights:

• Choosing the Right Team: "Finding that partnership is really important. And he's been the most amazing partner in the process." — Alicia Keys ([10:09])

• Balancing New and Veteran Talents: Michael Greif's expertise blends with fresh perspectives, creating a dynamic production team. Alicia highlights the infusion of new talent, especially newcomers making their Broadway debut, which adds a vibrant energy to the show. "There's a spirit that comes out here with these newcomers." — Alicia Keys ([22:25])

Notable Quotes:

• "It's sacred. It’s a craft. It requires care and time... that's why the book writer, Chris Diaz, was such an intentional choice." — Alicia Keys ([10:09])
• "The choreography takes you to places that we wouldn't have been able to just say. It's those nuances that, you know, touch your spirit." — Alicia Keys ([23:24])

3. Incorporation of Music and Storytelling

Musical Integration: Alicia emphasizes the seamless integration of her music into the narrative of Hell's Kitchen. Instead of a traditional sing-along format, the musical features rearranged versions of her hits that enhance the storytelling.

Key Insights:

• Reinventing Classics: Songs like "Fallen" are reimagined to fit specific scenes, adding depth and emotional resonance. Alicia notes, "We rearranged all of her hit songs so that they would fit into the show seamlessly with the dialogue." ([16:29])

• Original Compositions: In addition to her classic hits, Alicia contributes new songs tailored to the musical's narrative, enriching the storyline with fresh musical expressions. "There are so many ways that the songs are arranged and composed that tell the story of what you're experiencing." — Alicia Keys ([16:46])

Notable Quotes:

• "Fallen is actually sung by Brandon Victor Dixon... we purposefully created a sonic for it that is quite different from Fallen." — Alicia Keys ([18:23])
• "It's a love story between a mother and a daughter... and the songs mean something brand new to me." — Alicia Keys ([14:59])

4. Casting and Authenticity

Authentic Representation: Casting for Hell's Kitchen prioritized actors who could authentically embody the spirit of New York City. Alicia discusses the meticulous process to ensure that the performers could convey the unique energy of Hell's Kitchen.

Key Insights:

• Capturing New York Energy: "You can't teach it. I can't teach you how to embody it... you do have to have that New York energy." — Alicia Keys ([24:12])

• Personal Connections: Alicia shares stories about casting individuals she has personally worked with, such as Vanessa Ferguson from "The Voice," highlighting the serendipitous nature of finding the right talent. "I know for a fact that I did the voice to meet Vanessa, to make for her to be a part of this show." — Alicia Keys ([23:54])

Notable Quotes:

• "There's a lot of how the notes or wow. I mean, just blowing the back out of this place." — Alicia Keys ([22:25])
• "Because it is so based on the experiences of growing up in New York... it's alive. It's real." — Alicia Keys ([25:07])

5. Personal Reflections and Growth

Alicia's Journey: A key portion of the conversation delves into Alicia Keys' personal growth, her early life, and how her passion for music shaped her career.

Key Insights:

• Early Musical Beginnings: Alicia recounts starting piano at seven and how it became a foundation for her independence and creativity. "Playing the piano really started to make sense. It became this fusion of worlds that I could control almost." — Alicia Keys ([35:01])

• Balancing Fame and Self: She reflects on the challenges of maintaining her identity amidst the pressures of fame and the entertainment industry. "It was quite challenging to figure out how to maintain myself and also to maintain my own version for myself." — Alicia Keys ([36:37])

Notable Quotes:

• "I treasure the art. It's sacred... all the pieces have to come together perfectly." — Alicia Keys ([10:09])
• "You never know where life's going to take you." — Alicia Keys ([31:08])

6. Opening Night and Emotional Milestones

Anticipation and Emotions: As Hell's Kitchen approaches its opening night at the Shubert Theater, Alicia shares her emotional journey and the significance of reaching this milestone.

Key Insights:

• Emotional Connection: Alicia expresses a deep emotional connection to performing at the very theater close to where she grew up. "Pulling up to this Shubert theater... I can't put into words what that feels like." — Alicia Keys ([27:52])

• Steadiness and Pride: She feels a sense of steadiness and pride, confident in the years of dedication that have culminated in this moment. "I feel steady because I know the time that we've taken to build this." — Alicia Keys ([27:52])

Notable Quotes:

• "I'm not a crier, but it gets me. It gets me." — Alicia Keys ([27:52])
• "This is crazy. And so I'm thrilled about it because it is such a solid, heartfelt, coming of age story." — Alicia Keys ([27:52])

7. Final Thoughts and Legacy

Impact and Legacy: Alicia Keys concludes by expressing her hopes for the musical's impact, aiming to touch hearts and create lasting memories for audiences.

Key Insights:

• Creating Connections: She hopes Hell's Kitchen will resonate with diverse audiences, fostering connections across different backgrounds. "You can relate to it no matter where you're from." — Alicia Keys ([23:26])

• Legacy of Dreams: Alicia emphasizes the importance of remembering one's roots and the beginnings of their dreams. "Remember where dreams begin... your dreams begin somewhere, and that is something we have to hold onto forever." — Alicia Keys ([31:03])

Notable Quotes:

• "It's going to bring you together and it's going to fill you with spirit and love." — Alicia Keys ([40:03])
• "This is a new door being opened, and it is." — Alicia Keys ([31:08])

Conclusion The episode offers a comprehensive look into Alicia Keys' multifaceted career, her unwavering dedication to her craft, and the personal experiences that have shaped her latest project, Hell's Kitchen. Through candid conversations, Alicia imparts valuable insights on creativity, collaboration, and the enduring power of music and storytelling. Her heartfelt reflections underscore the importance of staying true to oneself and the profound impact art can have on both the creator and the audience.

Notable Final Quote:

• "I would never have thought that when I sat down at the piano as a kid and had to play those skills a hundred thousand times... you don't know where life's going to take you." — Alicia Keys ([31:08])

This summary captures the essence of Alicia Keys' discussion on "Sunday Sitdown with Willie Geist," highlighting her journey, creative process, and the emotional depth of her new Broadway musical, Hell's Kitchen.