Hell's Kitchen: Behind the Dream

by Alicia Keys, Lise Funderburg

A stunning behind-the-scenes look into Alicia Keys’ hit Broadway musical, Hell’s Kitchen, featuring never-before-seen photographs, 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; stunning stage photography and behind-the-scenes images; 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.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir

Kindle Edition

Published November 11, 2025

About the author

Passionate about my work, in love with my family and dedicated to spreading light. It's contagious! ;-)

Reviews

[William Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hell’s Kitchen: Behind the Dream is more than a companion book, it’s a love letter to New York, to music, and to the journey of turning life into art. Alicia Keys opens the curtain not just on her Broadway hit, but on her own story of resilience, creativity, and community. The mix of behind-the-scenes photography, personal reflections, and interviews with cast and crew makes you feel like you’re part of the process, watching this dream take shape from the ground up. What I loved most is how it captures both the grit and the glory: the years of work, the sparks of inspiration, the neighborhood heartbeat that infused every note. If you’ve seen the show, this book is a treasure chest; if you haven’t, it will make you desperate to experience it live. A stunning, soulful celebration of Alicia Keys’s artistry and the city that raised her.

[Heather McC · Rating 5 out of 5]

This coffee table book covers the humble beginnings and triumphant run of the Broadway show 'Hell's Kitchen' - a jukebox musical centered on the work of Alicia Keys. Autobiographical in nature, the show is not only a story of familial and romantic love, but also love of a city and an era. While the show is closing on Broadway at the end of February 2026, I hope to be fortunate enough to see it on tour.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Definitely interesting to see the background behind the play and how it got going. I would definitely seeing the play in person. I wished it would have gone into more detail about Alicia got the idea and what inspired her to go for it a bit more

[Tina Panik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed for Library Journal; full review appears there.

[ELISA C. LYNCH - Lis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Finished This Book By @lkfunderburg and @aliciakeys @hellskitchenbway I Enjoyed It A Lot, HK Forever, Go See It!!

[Sarah]

DNF