Full Casting Announced for the North American Tour of ‘Hell’s Kitchen’

Matthew Herzog

9 months ago

Producers for Hell’s Kitchen have announced the final two principal cast members and the full ensemble who will electrify stages across the country in the highly anticipated, multi-year North American tour.

AKW Productions is also thrilled to announce that 23-time Grand Slam champion and entrepreneur Serena Williams joins the producing team for the North American Tour, marking an exciting new chapter in her career as she expands into Broadway producing.

“I was blown away when I saw Hell’s Kitchen on Broadway last summer,” said Williams. “I am proud to join the producing team of my first ever Broadway show and support Alicia and the amazing company of Hell’s Kitchen as they get ready to light up the country on tour. Go see Hell’s Kitchen when it comes to a city near you!”

Alicia Keys said, “Our show is all about dreaming big and there is no one who embodies that spirit quite like Serena Williams. I am so excited to have Serena join the Hell’s Kitchen family as a co-producer as we begin our North American tour…it just keeps getting better! We’re so grateful! Let’s go!!!”

The highly anticipated, multi-year North American tour will star Maya Drake, making her Broadway tour debut, as Ali, Kennedy Caughell as Jersey and Roz White as Miss Liza Jane. The show will also star Desmond Sean Ellington as Davis and JonAvery Worrell as Knuck.

Your journey begins 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. Relatable, raw, and refreshingly fun, Hell’s Kitchen is a celebration of finding yourself, your purpose, and the people who lift you up.

The Hell’s Kitchen tour will premiere with a three-week engagement at Playhouse Square in Cleveland, Ohio October 10–November 1, 2025. Tickets are on sale now and available at playhousesquare.org. The tour will visit more than 30 cities in its first year. For additional tour cities and ticket information, visit hellskitchen.com.

Hell’s Kitchen won the 2025 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album. The musical, now in its second full year on Broadway, continues to play to rapturous audiences nightly at the Shubert Theatre in New York City.

Fans are encouraged to visit hellskitchen.com to sign up for the email newsletter and be among the first to receive tour news and exclusive content.

Biographies

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, one of the nation’s top youth theater programs. Some of her favorite roles include Leading Player (Pippin), as well as Esmeralda (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 masterclasses and private coaching across the country. BFA in Music Theatre 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 (Ms. Liza Jane) is ecstatic to be a part of musical theatre 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 Theatre 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 theatre 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 Actor’s Equity Association.

JONAVERY WORRELL (Knuck)- 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) –Proud island girl from The Bahamas pursuing her goals in the Big Apple. Post-graduation roles from AMDA include ‘Gladys’ in the Gateway Playhouse’s production of In the Heights, ‘Featured Mechanical/Ensemble’ in Classical Theatre of Harlem’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, ‘Ensemble’ in North Shore Music Theatre’s Tootsie, ‘Phyllis Dale/Ensemble’ in The Arts Center of Coastal Carolina’s 42nd Street, ‘Ensemble’ in Maine State Music Theatre’s production of Footloose and ‘Estella’ in Maine State Music Theatre’s 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.

MIYA BASS (Swing, U/S Miss Liza Jane, U/S Crystal, U/S Millie) – Miya Bass 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 (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: Lion King (Las Vegas, Gazelle Nat’l 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 Crstal, U/S Millie) -Sherée Marcelle Dunwell 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’, 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 (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 (Ensemble) -Nashville,TN native, Off-Bway: Oscar Micheaux. Tour: Hell’s Kitchen, Ragtime. NBC’s The Voice w/ Alicia Keys. Regional: Bridgerton Exp. Company Dancer: Dallas Black, Ballethnic. UARTS alum. Thanks to God, my village & BLOC. @_marquesfurr”

DESTINI HENDRICKS (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 Mahalia Jackson Story. NAACP Award winner.

GIGI LEWIS (Tiny, Ensemble) -Leading into her Tina debut on the First National Tour of TINA:The Tina Turner Musical, GiGi made her theatrical debut as Pearl in Hairspray abroad RCL. She’s blessed to share her journey & love for her Dad for always believing in her.

JEFFREY MAY HYCHE (‘Riq, U/S Knuck, Ensemble)-Jeffrey May Hyche is thrilled to be on the First National Tour of Hell’s Kitchen! He was last seen swinging in the Second national tour of Tina: The Tina Turner Musical! His keys to success are Christ & Community! #BeBlessed @jeff_fr33

CHRISTOPHER MILLER (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 (Ensemble, Police Officer, U/S ‘Riq, Q, Ray) -Bway: Life of Pi. Tour: &Juliet. Regional: ART, Old Globe, Signature, Transcendence, CRT. TV: WeCrashed,WW ‘84,Kringle Time. BFA MT IC. I’m nothing w/o Ammi. For Abbas, Ayaan, Aydin, & Zaina. سُـبْحانَ 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 (Ensemble, U/S Jessica, U/S Tiny) -HYPE to join 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.

MARLEY SOLEIL (Jessica, U/S Ali, Ensemble) -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.

BEDA SPÍNDOLA (Millie, U/S Jersey, Ensemble)– Grateful to be part of the Hell’s Kitchen family. Credits: Jenna in Waitress (Red Mountain), I Can See Your Voice (FOX), and Celebrity Undercover Boss (CBS). Endless thanks to my family & team. @bedaspindola | bedaspindola.com

ASTEN STEWART (Swing) -Thrilled to be hitting the road again. Selected Credits: Elf (Broadway 2024), Aladdin Nati’l Tour, Hairspray (Royal Caribbean). He credits his Love of dance and theater to his Supportive Family! #AMDAALUM #Clearishere @Asten21

SYDNEY TOWNSEND (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!

TEETEE (Swing, U/S Jessica, U/S Tiny)– A rose that sprouted from concrete, growing up in Washington, DC, where arts opportunities were scarce but her passion never dimmed. From church pews to festival stages, she found her voice in performing.

TIMOTHY WILSON (Swing) -Thrilled to be joining the Hell’s Kitchen family! Credits: The Jungle Book (Goodman Theatre), The Grammy Awards, A Jazz Man’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.

Hailed as a New York Times Critic’s Pick that is, “thrilling from beginning to end – a rare must-see!” Hell’s Kitchen is directed by four-time Tony Award nominee Michael Greif (Rent, Dear Evan Hansen and The Notebook), with choreography by five-time Tony Award nominee Camille A. Brown, a book by Pulitzer Prize finalist Kristoffer Diaz, and the music of Alicia Keys.

The creative team for Hell’s Kitchen includes Tony Award® nominee Robert Brill (Scenic Design), Tony Award® winner Dede Ayite (Costume Design), Tony Award® winner Natasha Katz (Lighting Design), Tony Award® winner Gareth Owen (Sound Design), Tony Award® nominee Peter Nigrini (Projection Design), Mia Neal (Hair and Wig Design), Michael Clifton (Makeup Design), Monet (Associate Director), Ricky Tripp (Associate Choreographer), and Foresight Theatrical (General Management). Casting by Heidi Griffiths, CSA & Kate Murray, CSA. The Production Stage Manager is Veronica Aglow and the Company Manager is Deborah Barrigan.

The music team of Hell’s Kitchen includes orchestrations by Tony Award® winner Tom Kitt and Tony Award® nominee Adam Blackstone, arrangements by Alicia Keys and Adam Blackstone, music consulting by Tom Kitt. Lily Ling is the Associate Music Supervisor and Emily Orr is the Music Director for the tour.

Aaron Lustbader serves as Executive Producer and Mandy Hackett as Consulting Producer. DML Productions, The Sunshine Group, The Jacobs Family, John Gore Organization, Clara Wu Tsai, Score 3 Partners, No Guarantees Productions, Front Row Productions, Sharpton Swindal Productions, Grove Entertainment, Terria Joseph, James L. Nederlander, Candy Spelling, Universal Music Publishing, Independent Presenters Network, Della Pietra Spark Theatricals, TodayTix ARGU, Julie Yorn, Andy Nahas, Serena Williams/Nine Two Six Productions and The Public Theater are Co-Producers.

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