Alicia Keys’ Hell’s Kitchen Overlooked by 2024 Tony Awards Director, Merrily Director
Hell’s Kitchen was the first of the nominated musicals to get a performance at the 2024 Tony Awards, with Alicia Keys and Jay-Z reuniting to perform their hit “Empire State of Mind.”
Despite 13 nominations, Hell’s Kitchen lost the top prize for best musical and only won two awards at the 2024 Tonys.
Hell’s Kitchen and Stereophonic were the most-nominated productions, but Hell’s Kitchen only won five awards, including best actress and featured actress in a musical.
The best musical award went to The Outsiders, beating out Hell’s Kitchen.
Merrily We Roll Along’s Maria Friedman lost the best direction of a musical award to The Outsiders‘ Dayna Taymor in a surprise turn of events.
Water for Elephants and other multiple nominees went home empty-handed, while Here Lies Love missed out on the best scenic design award to Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club.
Cabaret only managed to win the scenic design award, with Illinoise, Purlie Victorious, and An Enemy of the People each taking home one award as well.
In surprise wins, Jeremy Strong won for lead actor in a play, Will Brill won for featured actor in a play, and Sarah Paulson beat Jessica Lange for best actress in a play.
Caitlin Huston contributed to this report.