Alicia Keys Talks 'Cathartic' Experience of Watching Her Life Story in Broadway’s Hell’s Kitchen (Exclusive)

Alicia Keys learned a lot from watching her life story on Broadway Hell’s kitchen.

The Grammy-winning superstar’s childhood stories of growing up in New York inspired the new musical, with her catalog of hits — including “No One,” “Fallin’,” “If I Ain’t Got You” and “Empire State of Mind” — making music for the show, along with three new songs she composed, including the new single “Kaleidoscope”.

But while the action may be personal to Keys, 43, the audience’s reaction showed her just how universal her experience was.

“These are all our stories,” she told PEOPLE at the Tony Awards Meet the Nominees press dinner earlier this month. “I learned that by creating and watching Hell’s kitchen; that there is so much that connects us all. Although we have different versions, we all go through things that are quite similar. Ultimately, we’re all just trying to find where we belong and who we really are.”

“That’s what I get out of it; I get that ability to understand each other and find a way,” Keys says. “And it’s cathartic. You’re laughing, you’re singing, you’re crying — you’re a mess in this show. But you feel seen. And I think it’s really, really beautiful.”

Alicia Keys is all heart (and soul) — read PEOPLE’s digital cover featuring the superstar singer

Alicia Keys at the Tony Awards Meet the Nominees Press Dinner held at the Sofitel New York on May 2, 2024 in New York City.

Kristina Bumphrey/Variety via Getty Images

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Since opening last month at the Shubert Theater to rave reviews, Hell’s kitchen was a box office hit and received an incredible 12 Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical.

Success, while satisfying, is far from the greatest reward in the process, Keys says. Instead, it was the variety of people who come to see the show.

“One of the goals Hell’s kitchen is to really open the door to those who have never set foot in a Broadway theater before,” she explains. “So I’m excited that when I look around – because I’m in that theater a lot – I see so many different people in so many different walks of life. I love it so much and it’s so important.”

“This story welcomes you,” she continues. “It’s amazing to see a New York story in New York, but no matter where you’re from, you’re going to find yourself there. And there’s something really special about that.”

‘Hell’s Kitchen’ on Broadway.

Marc J. Franklin

Oprah praises Alicia Keys’ ‘Spectacular’ Broadway show Hell’s kitchen After waking up ‘humming songs’

Hell’s kitchen starring Tony nominees Shoshana Bean, Brandon Victor Dixon, Kecia Lewis and Maleah Joi Moon, the latter — a Broadway newcomer — playing Ali, a role modeled on Keys.

They share the stage with Chris Lee, Chad Carstarphen, Vanessa Ferguson, Jakeim Hart, Jackie Leon, Nyseli Vega, Lamont Walker II and Remo Webb. The ensemble consists of Reid Clarke, Chloe Davis, Nico DeJesus, Timothy L. Edwards, David Guzman, Raechelle Manalo, Sarah Parker and Niki Saludez.

Rounding out the company is standby Donna Vivino; deputies Desmond Sean Ellington, Badia Farha, Gianna Harris, Jade Milan, Susan Oliveras and Oscar Whitney Jr.; plus swings by Takia Hopson, Onyxx Noel, Aaron Nicholas Patterson and William Roberson.

Directed by Michael Greif with choreography by Camille A. Brown, the play features the book by Kristoffer Diaz. All three were nominated for a Tony this year.

Alicia Keys ‘didn’t feel like herself’ when she became famous: ‘I had to adapt’ (Exclusive)

‘Hell’s Kitchen’ on Broadway.

Marc J. Franklin

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Keys will have to wait until June 16 to find out Hell’s kitchenThe awards shows destiny when the 2024 Tony Awards take place at Lincoln Center’s David H. Koch Theater in New York City.

“We are in a dynamic season and I feel so grateful to be a part of it,” Keys tells PEOPLE of the nominations.

Tickets for Hell’s kitchen they are on sale now.

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Source: HIS Education