I had the chance to interview actor Maya Drake who plays Ali in the touring production of Hell’s Kitchen (music and lyrics by Alicia Keys). The show is here in Seattle July 21 – 26, 2026.

QUESTION: If someone is picking ONE musical to see in Seattle this Summer, why is Hell’s Kitchen the one to pick?

MAYA: Hell’s Kitchen is a great musical to pick because typically the audiences aren’t very familiar with the show. They come for Alicia Keys’ music, but as they discover the story, fall in love with these characters, and hear hit songs in a new light, you’re guaranteed an amazing time.

Q: How do you imagine an audience member feeling as they head out after the show?

MAYA: I imagine audience members feeling moved and empowered. The show has a great theme of finding yourself and working your way through life and all the struggles it brings. But at the end of the show, it highlights community and just how much they can lift you and support you.

Q: What’s a memorable moment from a rehearsal or recent performance?

MAYA: A memorable moment for me was our first preview in Cleveland. I had never performed a show in front of thousands of people. I had friends and family in the audience, which felt so fulfilling knowing they got to experience it with me. I felt so supported by the audience and was so grateful that my dreams were coming true.

Q: Do audience members need to have a strong connection to Alicia Keys’ music before seeing the show?

MAYA: No! Some people aren’t big Alicia fans, but love the show for the story. The show is not exactly about Alicia, just loosely based. So if you’re thinking about not going because you aren’t a superfan, come anyway! This is a beautiful show with something for everyone.

Q: Describe HELL’S KITCHEN using up to six emojis.

MAYA: 🔥❤️🎹🗽✨👭

Q: Describe your character using up to six emojis.

MAYA: 🔥🎵🤪‍♀️⭐😅

Q: What’s a fun challenge about playing your role in HELL’S KITCHEN?

MAYA: A fun challenge about playing Ali is removing myself and completely stepping into her entire personality and life. I consider myself to be quite different from Ali, so getting to live in another world for 2 1⁄2 hours is both fun and a bit difficult to never get out of the zone.

Q: What’s something that surprised you about the production or creative process during rehearsals?

MAYA: Something that surprised me was how quickly we moved! I learned the entire show in one week, and the dancers learned all of their choreography in 5 days! We really moved efficiently and had the show locked down in about 4 weeks.

Q: What’s something you love about a fellow cast member or someone involved with the show?

MAYA: Something that I love about our music director, Emily, is how impressive she is. She’s playing piano the entire time, super complex songs, super fast, and incredibly beautiful. I feel very connected to her in the sense that we are both driving this show. We both don’t get much of a break, and always have to be alert for what comes next. If I’m ever stressed or overwhelmed, I look up at her in the monitor and remember that we’re doing this together.

Thank you, Maya, for taking time out of your day to answer our questions!

If you see the show (or have seen the production elsewhere), I’d love to hear your review! Tickets and details here.