Hell’s Kitchen

MAYA DRAKE (Ali) is thrilled to make her professional debut in Hell’s Kitchen! As a recent high school graduate, this is a dream come true! A native of San Jose, California, Maya trained at the Children’s Musical Theater San Jose (CMTSJ), one of the nation’s top youth theater programs. Some of her favorite roles include Leading Player (Pippin) as well as Esmeralda (The Hunchback of Notre Dame). She received the Frank Frye Award for Singing from CMTSJ in 2024 as well as the Brian Alfred King Award for Acting in 2023. On screen, Drake guest starred on NBC’s Law & Order: SVU. Huge thanks to CMTSJ, Paradigm, and love to my family. @mayaadrake

KENNEDY CAUGHELL (Jersey) is thrilled to join Hell’s Kitchen! A Broadway and voiceover artist with Oklahoma roots, Kennedy has captivated audiences nationwide with her powerhouse vocals and magnetic stage presence. She was most recently seen as Jenna in Waitress and has starred in iconic roles such as Carole King in the national tour of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Elphaba in Wicked, and Elsa in Frozen. Broadway credits include Paradise Square, Beautiful, and Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812. Kennedy made her Carnegie Hall debut in the leading role of Super You, returning just a month later to star in Mozart: Her Story – The New Musical. Other favorite regional credits: MTWichita, NLB, 9 to 5 at the Fulton (Judy), Tick, Tick… Boom! at the Kennedy Center (dir. Neil Patrick Harris), and Great Comet at PCLO (Sonya). On screen, she’s appeared in Law & Order: SVU, Parked for Love, and The Outlier. Beyond the stage, Kennedy is preparing to release her debut album, Just the Beginning, and is a passionate educator, offering master classes and private coaching across the country. BFA in Music Theater from Elon University. This performance is lovingly dedicated to her mother, who is the reason she’s onstage today. Reps: DGRW / Schachter Entertainment | @KennedyCaughell | To God be the glory!

DESMOND SEAN ELLINGTON (Davis) Fresh off the heels of his Broadway debut with this incredible show, Desmond is thrilled to continue this journey with the First National Tour of Hell’s Kitchen and help bring it to audiences across the country. Broadway: Hell’s Kitchen (OBC), Hamilton. National Tours: Hamilton (Philip Company & And Peggy Company). Off-Broadway: Hell’s Kitchen (The Public Theater). VO: When He Saw Me and The Passenger (Audiobooks). With gratitude to God, my family, my team, and to Alicia Keys for creating this powerful work of art and reminding us all that “there’s nothing you can’t do.” IG:@desmondseanellingto

ROZ WHITE (Miss Liza Jane) is ecstatic to be a part of musical theater history in the Broadway national tour of Hell’s Kitchen. Roz is celebrating 40 years as an arts professional and educator, with a BFA in Musical Theater from Howard University and an M.Ed. in Curriculum from Northcentral University. Recently, Roz made a box office record setting turn as Billie Holiday in Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill at Mosaic Theater Company in Washington, D.C. She won a Helen Hayes Award for her role in Bessie’s Blues at Studio Theatre. She received a Helen Hayes Award nomination for her role in Gee’s Bend at MetroStage. Roz is a graduate of the acclaimed Duke Ellington School of the Arts. Roz has performed as a featured vocalist with Yolanda Adams, Stevie Wonder, and more. She spent two years as Zelma Bullock in the Broadway national tour of TINA – The Tina Turner Musical. Other theater credits include the national tour of Dreamgirls and regional productions of Once on This Island, Ain’t Misbehavin’, Seven Guitars, Violet, Anne and Emmett, The Amen Corner, and her self-penned cabarets, Pearl Bailey by Request and Roberta’s First Take. Roz starred as The Lady from the Road in Arizona Theatre Company’s Blues In The Night. She made her feature film debut as a lead playing the role of Sybrina Fulton in the award-winning film, Veils – Requiem for Trayvon. Roz is a Mom to two brilliant sons—Anthony Jai and King Elijah. Roz is a member of the Alliance for New Music-Theatre, D.I.V.A. Incorporated, and a 25-year member of Actors’ Equity Association.

JONAVERY WORRELL (Knuck) is a dynamic actor, singer, and dancer whose work spans television, film, and stage. On screen, he can be seen as Kenny in the STARZ hit series “BMF” (Season 4), as Trystan in Lifetime’s holiday feature “The Night Before Christmas,” and as Caleb Hill in BET+’s original drama “The Despaired.” On stage, JonAvery recently joined the National Theatrical Tour of Jason’s Lyric, bringing his versatility and emotional depth to audiences nationwide. He also appeared in a regional production of The Wiz, directed by Brian Jordan Jr., where his standout dance performance and physical storytelling added new energy to the beloved classic. JonAvery continues to carve out a path defined by storytelling, vulnerability, and truth.

STEMARCIAE BAIN (Swing) Hi! I’m Stemarciae Bain and I’m a proud island girl from The Bahamas pursuing her goals in the Big Apple. Some of my roles post-graduation from AMDA include Gladys in the Gateway Playhouse’s production of In the Heights, Featured Mechanical/Ensemble in The Classical Theatre of Harlem’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Ensemble in North Shore Music Theatre’s production of Tootsie, Phyllis Dale/Ensemble in The Arts Center of Coastal Carolina’s production of 42nd Street, Ensemble in Maine State Music Theatre’s production of Footloose and Estella in Maine State Music Theatre’s production of West Side Story. I am beyond thrilled to be making my Swing debut in the First National Tour of Hell’s Kitchen. I am grateful to work with such talented artists on this show and appreciate the endless support from God, my family and friends. Instagram: @2suggz

MIYA BASS (She/Her) (Swing; u/s Miss Liza Jane; u/s Crystal; u/s Millie) is a vocalist and actor from Jamaica, NY. She has been a contestant on “The Voice”, working with coaches Alicia Keys and Adam Levine. Miya has also performed leading roles in Waitress, Aida, Sister Act, Rent, and The Wiz.

JAYLEN T. BRYANT (He/Him) (Swing; u/s ‘Riq; u/s Q; u/s Knuck) Starred in productions of Hairspray (Seaweed), Sweat (Chris), and Bring It On (Twig). Has done TV: “Chicago Fire”, and “Sirens”. Enjoys sharing his gifts with the world and creating safe spaces for BIPOC people to develop their artistry.

RASHADA DAWAN (Crystal; u/s Miss Liza Jane, Ensemble) Credits include The Lion King (Las Vegas, Gazelle National Tour), “The Chi” (Showtime), “61st St” (AMC). Love to Genesis and Journey, my parents, my Village and family, Paonessa Talent, AEA, this audience and Chitown! Bfliproductions.org

SHERÉE MARCELLE DUNWELL (Swing; u/s Jersey; u/s Crystal; u/s Millie) is thrilled to be embarking upon her first National Tour adventure with Hell’s Kitchen! Prior to diving back into theater in 2022, Sheree enjoyed a long career as an award-winning R&B, jazz, and pop vocalist in New England, performing critically acclaimed tributes to artists such as Whitney Houston, Adele and Celine Dion. Recent credits include: Next to Normal (Diana; Elliot Norton Award for Outstanding Lead Performance), Ain’t Misbehavin’, The Light in the Piazza (Ensemble, u/s Signora Naccarelli). She is so grateful to her husband & family for their unending support of her dreams.

‘ZAIAH ELLIS (Q; Ensemble) Making his professional debut in Hell’s Kitchen. Born and raised in Charlotte, NC. Rapper/Poet. BFA Hartt School of Music. @zaiah.nz For Marva, Larry, and Nic.

MAE-LYNN FLORES (Dance Ensemble) Broadway national tour debut! Select dance: LaHa Dance Group, Miami DanceMakers. TV: “La Banda” (Univision). Proud latina, Miami raised artist, and NWSA alumni. Infinite love for my family, blood and chosen. Con amor. @maelynnn_

MARQUES FURR (Dance Ensemble) Nashville, TN. Off-Broadway: The Oscar Micheaux Project. Tour: Hell’s Kitchen, Ragtime. Live shows: NBC’s “The Voice” with Alicia Keys. Regional: The Queen’s Ball: A Bridgerton Experience. Company Dancer: Dallas Black Dance Theatre, Ballethnic Dance Company. UARTS DANCE ALUM. Thanks to God, my village, and BLOC. IG: @_marquesfurr

SEAN HOLLAND II (‘Riq, u/s Knuck, Ensemble) is an accomplished vocalist & actor whose roles include Seaweed J. Stubs, Orpheus, Prince Topher, Nicely Johnson, & Nakawa in the Festival of The Lion King. Notable venues include Jazz at Lincoln Center, New York City Center, The Town Hall, & Perelman Arts Center. He has also performed and recorded with Wynton Marsalis, Alvin Ailey Revelations, Denyce Graves, and Disney on Ice. @seanhollandII

DESTINI HENDRICKS (She/Her) (Dance Ensemble) Orlando native with a BFA in Commercial Dance from Pace University. Credits: The Wiz (Broadway), Tootsie, Cher & Nile Rodgers, NYFW. Company member of Camille A. Brown & Dancers. Excited to join Hell’s Kitchen! @destini.hendricks

ALFRED JACKSON (Swing; u/s Davis; u/s Ray; Ensemble) South Central LA native, singer, writer, director, producer & Indie Recording Artist. Theatre: Book of Mormon, Beautiful, Dreamgirls.TV/Film: “General Hospital”, Hulu’s “Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story”. NAACP Award winner.

CHRISTOPHER MILLER (Dance Ensemble) Los Angeles, CA native. This is his Broadway National Tour Debut!! Training: Debbie Allen Dance Academy, Dance Theatre of Harlem, the Ailey School (Scholarship Student), Graduated from Towson University in 2023. Dance: Ravel Dance Company, INVINCIBLE: A Glorious Tribute to Michael Jackson. Many thanks to my family, friends, and mentors. Jesus is King! Matthew 28:19-20 @chrismillerrr

USMAN ALI MUGHAL (He/They) (Dance Ensemble; Police Officer; u/s ‘Riq; u/s Q; u/s Ray) Broadway: Life of Pi. Tour: & Juliet. Regional: ART, Old Globe, Signature, Transcendence, CRT. TV: “We Crashed”, “WW ’84”, “Kringle Time”. BFA MT IC. I’m nothing w/o Ammi. For Abbas, Ayaan, Aydin, & Zaina. سُبْحانَ الله @usman.ali.mughal

CHIKEZIE NWANKWO (Ray; u/s Davis; Ensemble) Bronx-raised with Nigerian roots. UB Chemistry grad, AMDA alum. Credits: Ragtime, Royal Caribbean, Met Opera (Moby Dick, Il Trovatore, Roméo et Juliette).

SANGEETHA “SANG” SANTHEBENNUR (Dance Ensemble; u/s Jessica; u/s Tiny) HYPE to join the First National Tour of HK! Credits: ‘Twas The Night Before (Cirque du Soleil), The Karate Kid (Pre-Broadway), WTBTITR (Raveena), “Best Of The Best” (Netflix). IMGE Dance. Eternal thanks, Santhebennurs’ & LWC. For you PLL.

MELANIE SIERRA (Millie, u/s Jersey, Ensemble) The Metropolitan Opera (Zeffirelli’s La Bohème, Phelim McDermott’s The Hours, and Bartlett Sher’s Rigoletto); Maria in the Lonny Price-directed West Side Story World Tour. Infinite love to my family, and Marek, my one. @melaniessierra

MARLEY SOLEIL (Jessica; u/s Ali; Ensemble) is thrilled to make her National Broadway Tour debut! Performing since age 5, this opportunity is a dream come true. She’s obsessed with the cast and sends endless love to family, friends and teachers for all their support ❤️

ASTEN STEWART (Swing) Is thrilled to be hitting the road again. Selected Credits: Elf (Broadway 2024), Aladdin National Tour, Hairspray (Royal Caribbean). He credits his love of dance and theater to his Supportive Family! #AMDAALUM #Clearishere @Asten21

TEETEE (She/Her/Hers) (Swing; u/s Jessica; u/s Tiny) A rose that sprouted from concrete. Growing up in Washington, D.C., where arts opportunities were scarce, her passion never dimmed. From church pews to festival stages, she found her voice in performing.

SYDNEY TOWNSEND (She/Her) (Swing; u/s Ali; u/s Jessica; u/s Tiny) A recent graduate from the University of Arizona, Syd obtained her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree this May. This is her first Broadway National Tour, and she would like to thank her family, friends, and mentors for all their love!

TIMOTHY WILSON (He/Him) (Swing) is thrilled to be joining the Hell’s Kitchen family! Credits: The Jungle Book (Goodman Theatre), The Grammy Awards, “A Jazzman’s Blues” (Tyler Perry), Cleopatra (Off-Broadway), Malvolio, and The Wiz (Broadway).

ETHAN ZUNDELL (Ensemble) Ethan is a street styles dancer from NH. His training began in 2013 and includes hip hop, breaking, popping, and commercial choreography. Though he’s danced across the U.S, his main source of training has been in the RI community.

ALICIA KEYS (Book, Music & Lyrics). Sixteen-time Grammy Award-winning singer,songwriter, musician, producer, founder of Keys Soulcare, New York Times best-selling author, film/television and Broadway producer, accomplished actress, entrepreneur and powerful force in the world of activism. Since the release of her monumental 2001 album Songs in A Minor, Keys has sold over 65 million records and over five billion streams, built an unparalleled repertoire of hits and accomplishments and become the #1 RIAA certified female R&B artist of the millennium.

KRISTOFFER DIAZ (Book). Pulitzer Prize finalist for The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity. Other titles (produced at The Public, Second Stage, Goodman and many more) include Welcome to Arroyo’s, Reggie Hoops, Hercules and The Unfortunates. Awards include Guggenheim, Jerome, Van Lier, NYFA and Gail Merrifield Papp fellowships; New York Times Outstanding Playwright Award; Lucille Lortel, Equity Jeff, Obie. Screen: “GLOW,” “Rent: Live” on Fox. NYU alum (twice!), Brooklyn College alum, NYU professor. New Dramatists alum and board member. Dramatists Guild Council officer. Husband to Joanne, father to Leo and Oscar. Crazy for You (at the Shubert) changed my life. IG: @saymorediaz

MICHAEL GREIF (Director) is a five-time Tony Award nominee for his original direction of the groundbreaking musicals Rent, Next to Normal (which both won the Pulitzer Prize), Grey Gardens, Dear Evan Hansen, & Hell’s Kitchen. Other notable productions include War Paint (Broadway), If/Then (Broadway), The Low Road, Fucking A, Dogeaters, Giant, Machinal, The Intelligent Homosexual’s Guide… (The Public), Our Lady of Kibeho, Landscape of the Body, Angels in America (Signature Theatre), A Parallelogram, Make Believe (Second Stage), Far From Heaven and Spatter Pattern (Playwrights Horizons), Man in the Ring (Huntington). In the 2024 Broadway season, Michael directed Alicia Keys’ Hell’s Kitchen and Days of Wine and Roses, and co-directed The Notebook (with Schele Williams). Off-Broadway, he’s received Obie Awards for Machinal, Dogeaters (Public), and Rent (NYTW), and has directed new plays and musicals at Playwrights Horizons, Roundabout, MTC, MCC, New York Theatre Workshop and at Second Stage, where he directed Next to Normal and Dear Evan Hansen. Regional work includes premieres and revivals at Williamstown Theatre Festival (ten seasons), La Jolla Playhouse (Artistic Director, five seasons), The Goodman, Arena Stage, Center Stage, Mark Taper Forum, Dallas Theater Center, Trinity Repertory Company. Michael holds a BS from Northwestern University and an MFA from the University of California, San Diego.

CAMILLE A. BROWN (Choreographer). Four-time Tony Award-nominated director and choreographer; Chita Rivera Award and Obie Award winner; two-time Drama Desk, OCC, Lortel Award nominee. Broadway: director/choreographer for colored girls… (Tony nominations: Direction of a Play, Choreography); Choir Boy (Tony, Drama Desk nominations); Once on This Island (Drama Desk, Outer Critics, Lortel nominations); A Streetcar Named Desire. The Metropolitan Opera: co-director and choreographer: Fire Shut Up in My Bones; choreographer Porgy and Bess, Champion. Film/TV: “Harlem” (Amazon), Oscar-winning Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (Netflix), Emmy Award-winning “Jesus Christ Superstar Live” (NBC), NYE in Rockefeller Center (NBC) and more. Founder & artistic director of Camille A. Brown & Dancers

ADAM BLACKSTONE (Music Supervisor; Co-Orchestrator; Co-Arranger) is a multi-faceted musician, Emmy winning music director, CEO of BASSic Black Entertainment and the musical mastermind behind the live shows of today’s biggest artists. His debut album, Legacy, won a 2023 NAACP Image Award and 2023 and 2024 Grammy nominations. His credits as music director include the Super Bowl Halftime Show, the Oscars & NBC’s “That’s My Jam.”

ROBERT BRILL (Scenic Designer). Broadway: How to Dance in Ohio, Dancin, Ain’t Too Proud, Thoughts of a Colored Man, Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, Assassins, Cabaret, Jesus Christ Superstar, Guys and Dolls, Design for Living, Buried Child and others. Three-time Tony nominee and member of design faculty at University of California San Diego. robertbrilldesign.com

DEDE AYITE (Costume Designer) is a two-time Tony Award-nominated costume designer working in theatre, opera and film. Select Broadway: Jaja’s African Hair Braiding, Topdog/Underdog, Ohio State Murders, American Buffalo and Slave Play. Select Off-Broadway: Merry Wives (The Public Theater); Days of Wine and Roses (Atlantic). Regional: Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Steppenwolf, Arena Stage and more. Televi-sion: Netflix and Comedy Central. Education: MFA Yale School of Drama.

NATASHA KATZ (Lighting Designer). Recent Broadway and Off-Broadway: Sweeney Todd; Here We Are; Grey House; MJ; Some Like It Hot; Springsteen on Broadway; Aladdin; and Hello, Dolly! Recent dance: Like Water for Chocolate at the Met. She is a TDF Wendy Wasserstein Project Mentor and was recently inducted into the Theater Hall of Fame.

Gareth Owen (Sound Designer). Back to the Future (Olivier nom.) Tommy, & Juliet (Tony nom.), MJ (Tony win), Bad Cinderella, Come From Away (Olivier win), A Bronx Tale, End of the Rainbow (Tony nom.), A Little Night Music (Tony nom.), Diana, Bat out of Hell (Olivier nom.), Memphis (Olivier win), Summer, Top Hat (Olivier nom.), Merrily We Roll Along (Olivier win). @garethowensound

PETER NIGRINI (Projection Designer).His work includes MJ, Here Lies Love, Ain’tToo Proud, Beetlejuice, Dear Evan Hansenand Fela! Other credits include Grounded(The Public Theater); Hans Zimmer Live;Grace Jones—Hurricane; and Deep Blue Sea(Bill T. Jones/Park Avenue Armory). He hasthree Tony nominations and won a Lortel,Drama Desk and Obie.

MIA NEAL (Hair & Wig Designer) Broadway: The Notebook, Shucked, KPOP, 1776, West Side Story, The Iceman Cometh, A Raisin in the Sun. Past credits: Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (Academy Award, BAFTA Film Award), “Annie Live!” (Emmy Award), “Pose” (Emmy Award nomination), Shuffle Along… (Drama Desk), Ain’t No Mo’ (Drama Desk). Film: White Noise, Hustle, The Humans, Uncut Gems, Ghostbusters, “Younger.”

MICHAEL CLIFTON (Makeup Designer). New York, New York (makeup design); Boop! The Musical (makeup design). Other Broadway: The Outsiders, West Side Story, The Lion King. Some film/TV: “Elsbeth”; “Girls5Eva”; “American Horror Story”; “The Other Two”; “Up Here”; tick, tick…BOOM!; Come From Away. Thank you to Daniella and The Milton Agency and Kharisma Pari! IG: mikeyclifton

KATE MURRAY, CSA & HEIDI GRIFFITHS, CSA (Casting) have been collaborating for over a decade at The Public Theater in New York where they cast Shakespeare, new plays and musicals. Broadway collaborations include Suffs, for colored girls…, The Crucible, A View From the Bridge, A Delicate Balance and A Raisin in the Sun.

TOM KITT (Music Consultant/Co-Orchestrator) is a Tony, Grammy, Emmy and Pulitzer Prize-winning composer, arranger and orchestrator whose credits include Next to Normal, Almost Famous, Flying Over Sunset, If/Then, Bring It On: The Musical, High Fidelity, Jagged Little Pill, The SpongeBob Musical, American Idiot, Head Over Heels, Everyday Rapture, The Visitor, Superhero, Dave and Disney’s Freaky Friday.

TOM KITT (Music Consultant/Co-Orchestrator) is a Tony, Grammy, Emmy and Pulitzer Prize-winning composer, arranger and orchestrator whose credits include Next to Normal, Almost Famous, Flying Over Sun-set, If/Then, Bring It On: The Musical, High Fidelity, Jagged Little Pill, The Sponge Bob Musical, American Idiot, Head Over Heels, Everyday Rapture, The Visitor, Superhero, Dave and Disney’s Freaky Friday.

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ADAM BLACKSTONE (Music Supervisor; Co-Orchestrator; Co-Arranger) isa multi-faceted musician, Emmy winning music director, CEO of BASSic Black Entertainment and the musical mastermind behind the live shows of today’s biggest artists. His debut album, Legacy, won a 2023 NAACPImage Award and 2023 and 2024 Grammy nominations. His credits as music director include the Super Bowl Halftime Show, the Oscars & NBC’s “That’s My Jam.”