Phillip Johnson Richardson joins 'Hell's Kitchen' Broadway cast

The Tony Award-winning musical is loosely inspired by the upbringing of Grammy winner Alicia Keys, whose greatest hit songs are featured in the show.

Phillip Johnson Richardson will join the cast of Hell's Kitchen on Broadway at the Shubert Theatre this fall.

Richardson received critical acclaim for his performance as the Tin Man in The Wiz on Broadway earlier this year. From October 22, he will replace original Hell's Kitchen cast member Chris Lee, who plays his final performance October 20, in the role of Knuck.

Additionally, Donna Vivino, the current standby for the role of Jersey in Hell's Kitchen, will play the role full-time from December 3-11 after Tony nominee Shoshana Bean plays her final performance on December 1. A permanent replacement for the role has yet to be announced.

The current Hell's Kitchen cast also includes Tony Award winner Maleah Joi Moon as Ali, Brandon Victor Dixon as Davis, and Tony winner Kecia Lewis as Miss Liza Jane.

Set to the songs of Alicia Keys, Hell's Kitchen is a coming-of-age story loosely inspired by the Grammy-winning musician's life and the title NYC neighborhood in which she grew up. Teenage Ali is looking for independence, a better relationship with her single mom, love, and a purpose — and music is the key to unlocking it all.

"Hell's Kitchen makes New York's streets — and Alicia Keys' songs — feel brand-new," New York Theatre Guide's Hell's Kitchen review reads. "Powerhouse vocal, acting, and dance performances turn the concrete jungle into a living, breathing soundscape filled with art and possibility if we're willing to look for it."

Learn more about Hell's Kitchen on Broadway.

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Photo credit: Phillip Johnson Richardson. (Photo courtesy of production)