One of the highlights of opening night for Hell's Kitchen, the incredible Broadway musical inspired by the music and life of Alicia Keys, was having the opportunity to have the talented Marley Soleil answer my ten interview questions. Despite the excitement and busy atmosphere that comes with opening night, Marley graciously took the time to respond to my written questions and share her journey, her passion for performing, and the experiences that have shaped her career. I am so grateful for her kindness, openness, and generosity, and I cannot wait to share with all of you. If you have the chance to see Hell's Kitchen this week at Seattle's Paramount Theatre, do yourself a favor and go. It is an unforgettable production filled with breathtaking performances, powerful storytelling, and the incredible music of Alicia Keys. This is one show you do not want to miss. I am so humbled that Marley would take the time out to do this question and answer interview.
What first drew you to your role in Hell's Kitchen, and what made you feel personally connected to the character?
I first saw this production when I just turned 18, and I was lucky enough to see the actress who originated the role of Jessica, Jackie Leon. She brought so much of herself to the character, so much light and joy. So, I was really excited to do the same. My mom says I was a really happy kid who walked around under a cloud made of rainbows and glitter and gumdrops. So, this was the perfect role for me to take on.
As for when I understudy Ali, I have gotten to see every single actress that has played this role, whether it was Maleah, Gianna, Amanda, Lulu, Mykel, Jade, Maya, Sydney or myself. And each one of us has brought something special to the role that only we can bring. The one thing they really wanted from us when playing this character was to bring ourselves into it. Not to pretend to be someone else, not to copy someone else's performance, but to be our authentic selves in this role. So, the parts of the character that drew me to this role were the parts that I could see in myself as well. I was a teenager, coming of age. Well, I'm still coming of age. I'm still trying to figure out who I am, and who I'm going to be. I loved that I didn't have to wonder what that feels like when learning how to play Ali. In the weirdest way, it has felt like Ali has helped me find myself throughout this tour.
Alicia Keys' music is deeply emotional and personal. How has performing these songs on stage changed your relationship to her work?
I grew up listening to Alicia keys catalog, so the music in the production was always going to be something I loved performing. But after singing these songs every night on stage, the relationship I have with the music is so different. It's so much more personal now. These songs have become a part of my story, my personal soundtrack. This catalog marks a specific time in my life that will never be duplicated.
And then, it's interesting because different people will perform the same songs, and make it sound brand new. Like, if a principal steps out and someone else steps in, they'll deliver the song in a different way sometimes, so it feels completely new.
What was it like collaborating with Alicia Keys during the development of the show, and did she offer any guidance that has stayed with you?
Actually, yes. When we were preparing for the show last year and doing rehearsals back in New York, and she had one on one time with all the leads, I was lucky enough to be the only singing ensemble member pulled as well. Singing Girl on fire in front of Alicia Keys was such a sensational experience, and she offered so much encouragement, so much warmth and love! I have a husky alto voice, and she said we had similar tones, so she gave me tips on how to take care of my voice, so I didn't do any long-term damage to it. But she told me I had IT. And I'll never forget that.
The story is rooted in New York City and coming of age. How do you bring that sense of place and identity into your performance each night?
New York City is a very special place, and if you're lucky enough to spend any amount of time there, and really study it, you gain such appreciation for the unique identities the different neighborhoods have. Brooklyn is totally different from Harlem, which is totally different from Manhattan. But even with that being true, there is a spirit of camaraderie and pride that you find in every single New Yorker you meet. So, I try to bring that energy into my performance onstage every night. I also try to listen to music or watch television shows that will bring me into the vibe of the musical. Living single has been my bread and butter!
Which moment in the show is the most emotionally challenging for you, and how do you prepare for it before stepping on stage?
It's different for both characters that I play, but universally speaking the funeral scene is always the toughest. It requires a lot emotionally from all of us on stage. We really lean on each other a lot during the scene, so knowing I don't have to do that alone has always been really helpful when getting ready to perform it. I remind myself that it's okay to let the truth of life flow through me, and if I get too emotional to let it all happen naturally.
Audiences can feel every nuance of a performance. What has surprised you most about the audience's response to Hell's Kitchen?
I've had people from all walks of life, from very different places around this country, tell me that this is the best play they have ever seen. That even though it's about a young Black girl in the '90s, in New York City, they saw themselves in so much of the story. Black, White, Gay, Straight, ANYBODY can relate to the storytelling that this musical has to offer. Whether it's the moms who understand Jersey's devotion to her daughter, or someone who had an elder in their life that they looked up to, that helped guide them to become the person that they are. Or if they were just rebellious teenagers! And then the way they weave the music and story together, is the cherry on top.
How do you balance the vocal demands of Alicia Keys' music with the emotional storytelling required in your role?
I'm still trying to figure that out! We all are. I play Jessica 7 times a week and jump in to do Ali on Saturdays, and the difference between those two roles is huge.
With Jessica, I get to be silly and light-hearted and funny and have a good time. She's in and out but has the highest vocal track of any singing ensemble track. I can take more of a day-to-day approach with her, since my energy levels will vary daily.
With Ali, I'm onstage 85% of the time, and have to dig really deep to tell the story in a way that audiences can connect with and go home thinking about long after the show's over. I have the same tried and true routine with her, and if even ONE thing is off, the performance will suffer. I have to live my life in a very disciplined and focused way because I never know when I need to go on!
Alicia's music is so special, and her storytelling abilities are so unique. She takes you on a journey in every song, and that is our job on stage, to take the audience on that journey. For some, it takes them back to where they were when they first heard that particular song, and for people who are hearing her music for the first time, we get to introduce them to the magic that is Alicia Keys.
What has this role taught you about yourself as an actress, singer, and storyteller?
It's taught me two things specifically. Even though I'm really good at what I do, I have so much more to learn. I've grown a lot this past year, but I am so excited about how much more growth is ahead of me. I realized that it's okay to pace yourself, and to give yourself as much grace as possible. These roles are not easy, and touring on top of that is very challenging! But, if there's anything I love, it's a challenge, and it's working hard.
If you could describe the heart of Hell's Kitchen in one sentence, what would you want audiences to carry with them after the curtain falls?
A real sense and understanding that we are all so much more alike than we think we are. COMMUNITY!
Looking back on your journey with this production, what moment has meant the most to you so far?
The relationships I've formed on the road with my castmates. I've made some very close friendships with people here, people that I will probably be friends with for the rest of my life. And I'm really grateful for that. I also found out I'm stronger than I thought I was. Being on the road for a year at 19, is a lot harder than I thought it would be, but I'm doing it. I've learned how to hear my alarm in the morning, what type of groceries to buy, how to pack my suitcases under 50 lbs...barely. I've learned how independent I can be, and I am so looking forward to what's next for me. I cannot wait!
photo credit @Hellskitchenboradway, Google search.
