(New York, NY) As HELL’S KITCHEN continues to ignite audiences on Broadway and across the country, fans are invited to experience where dreams begin through its powerful storytelling and honor some of gospel’s electrifying dream makers the same week, we celebrate the birthday of the ultimate dream maker and civil rights icon, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
In continued celebration of Dr. King’s life and enduring legacy, HELL’S KITCHEN will present a special activation, “Legends of Gospel Week,” saluting the trailblazing gospel artists and faith leaders whose voices, artistry, and messages have inspired generations and advanced social change through music and purpose.
Currently starring in HELL’S KITCHEN is one of gospel music’s most legendary and iconic voices, Yolanda Adams, who appears in the production as “Miss Liza Jane.” A multi-GRAMMY Award–winning artist widely known as the “Queen of Contemporary Gospel Music,” Adams has enjoyed a career spanning more than three decades. She has sold millions of albums worldwide and earned numerous accolades for her powerful ability to bridge gospel, R&B, jazz, and inspirational music—uplifting audiences with messages of faith, resilience, and hope both on and off the stage.
“Legends of Gospel Week” kicks off on Tuesday, January 20, honoring gospel legend Donald Lawrence, a GRAMMY Award–winning producer, composer, and trailblazer whose work has shaped gospel music for more than three decades. A 30-time Stellar Award winner and a member of both the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame and the Black Music Hall of Fame, Lawrence’s influence spans music, film, and theater, inspiring generations through faith, excellence, and innovation.
The celebration continues on Wednesday, January 21, with a special Christian Cultural Center Takeover, including a salute to its visionary founder, Rev. Dr. A. R. Bernard, and a tribute to Darwin Hobbs, one of Christian Cultural Center’s most celebrated gospel artists. Rev. Dr. Bernard, founding pastor of Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn, New York, is a nationally respected faith leader, author, and speaker whose more than four decades of ministry have empowered communities through leadership, education, and civic engagement. Darwin Hobbs, an esteemed gospel vocalist and worship leader, is known for beloved songs such as “Everyday” and “He Is,” and for collaborations with artists including CeCe Winans, Donnie McClurkin, and Michael McDonald, as well as his dedication to mentorship and worship ministry.
The week concludes on Thursday, January 22, 2025, honoring pastor and two-time GRAMMY Award–winning gospel artist Hezekiah Walker. A globally revered choir leader and worship innovator, Walker is best known for anthems such as “Every Praise” and “Souled Out.” As founder of Love Fellowship Tabernacle and leader of the Love Fellowship Choir, Walker has helped define contemporary gospel music by blending traditional church roots with modern sound and universal messages of praise and unity.
During this historic week, HELL’S KITCHEN will also present a special award honoring its own legend, Yolanda Adams. As part of “Legends of Gospel Week,” Adams will receive the Cissy Houston Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing her lifelong and invaluable contributions to music and the profound impact she has had on communities around the world. This tribute further underscores Adams’ extraordinary legacy as an artist, leader, and global ambassador of faith through music.
Each evening during “Legends of Gospel Week” will also feature some of today’s premiere media personalities in gospel music. Tuesday, January 20, will be hosted by Audacy’s 94.7 Fm The Block’s Toya Beasley; Wednesday, January 21, by SiriusXM Kirk Franklin’s Praise personality Meta Washington; and Thursday, January 22, will feature WBLS 107.5 FM’s Liz Black hosting the evening at HELL’S KITCHEN. Emmy Award winning Producer A. Curtis Farrow will Co-Host and serve as one of the post show talk-back Moderators alongside Beasley, Washington and Black all three nights.
Audiences attending select performances will also be invited to a special post-show talkback featuring Yolanda Adams, members of the cast, and the honored gospel legends. These conversations will explore creatively cultivating dreams and aspirations, doing the work required to manifest vision and purpose, and discovering how music and message align throughout the creative journey. Each performance will conclude with a special musical surprise.
“Legends of Gospel Week” is proudly supported by McDonald’s Gospelfest as the lead promotional partner, whose longstanding commitment to celebrating gospel music and uplifting the community aligns seamlessly with the spirit and mission of HELL’S KITCHEN. Media support for the week is provided by Audacy’s 94.7 FM The Block, WBLS 107.5 FM, SiriusXM Kirk Franklin’s Praise, Black Gospel Promo, Gospel Music Buzz, and The Christian Times, amplifying the celebration and extending its message of faith, culture, and inspiration to audiences nationwide.
Collectively, Yolanda Adams, Donald Lawrence, Rev. Dr. A. R. Bernard, Darwin Hobbs, and Hezekiah Walker represent a powerful legacy of faith, artistry, and service. Their voices have shaped gospel music across generations, inspiring audiences worldwide through collective excellence through their talents.
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a central leader of the American civil rights movement whose message of nonviolent resistance, equality, and social justice transformed the world. Through Legends of Gospel Music Week, Hell’s Kitchen proudly continues to honor Dr. King’s legacy while celebrating the artists and leaders whose music and messages carry forward his vision—uplifting, uniting, and inspiring generations through faith, art, and purpose.
About HELL’S KITCHEN
HELL’S KITCHEN, the award-winning Broadway musical created and inspired by Alicia Keys, takes you on the journey of Ali – a 17-year-old girl full of fire.
Relatable, raw, and refreshingly fun, it’s a celebration of finding yourself, your purpose, and the people who lift you up. The music—a mix of Keys’ classics and new songs written exclusively for the show—and exhilarating choreography bring to life a story that speaks to you no matter where you’re from, where you’ve been, or where you’re going. Come experience where dreams begin: HELL’S KITCHEN.
The “powerhouse cast” (Variety) is led by Amanda Reid, Kelsee Kimmel, Grammy Award winner Yolanda Adams, NE-YO and Lamont Walker II.
HELL’S KITCHEN is directed by five-time Tony Award® nominee Michael Greif, with choreography by five-time Tony Award® nominee Camille A. Brown, a book by Pulitzer Prize finalist and Tony Award ® nominee Kristoffer Diaz – and the music of Keys, featuring new songs and her greatest hits.
The company features Angela Birchett, Chad Carstarphen, Reid Clarke, Nico Dejesus, Mykhel Duckett, Vanessa Ferguson, Lulu Oro Hamlett, Jakeim Hart, Takia Hopson, Gabriel Hyman, Lindsey Jolyn Jackson, Eliazar Jimenez, Jackie Leon, Raechelle Manalo, Miki Michelle, Benjamin H. Moore, Onyxx Noel, Susan Oliveras, Amma Osei, Sarah Parker, Eric Parra, Aaron Nicholas Patterson, William Roberson, Niki Saludez, Mariand Torres, Maggy Van Den Heuvel, Nyseli Vega, Keenan D. Washington, Oscar Whitney Jr.
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), Heidi Griffiths and Kate Murray (Casting), Danny Maly (Production Stage Manager), and Foresight Theatrical (General Management).
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 and music direction by Garret Healey.
HELL’S KITCHEN made its world premiere October 24, 2023 running until January 14, 2024, including a five-week extension—at The Public Theater.
HELL’S KITCHEN lottery tickets are available through a digital lottery the day before the performance at HERE. The digital lottery opens at HERE at 12am (ET) one day before the performance with winners announced that same morning at 10am (ET), with a second announcement of additional winners that afternoon at 3pm (ET). Winners may purchase up to two tickets at $39 each (inclusive of $5 service fee), subject to availability. Seats may be partial view.
A limited number of in-person HELL’S KITCHEN rush tickets will be available on the day of each performance for $39 per ticket when the Shubert Theatre box office opens. Maximum of two tickets per person, subject to availability. Seats may be partial view. The box office opens Monday through Saturday at 10am (ET) and Sunday at 12pm (ET).
HELL’S KITCHEN offers translations through GalaPro and I-Caption for the following languages: Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, French and Mandarin.
HELL’S KITCHEN on Broadway is produced by AKW Productions. Aaron Lustbader serves as Executive Producer. Roc Nation, DML Productions, Mandy Hackett, The Sunshine Group, Julie Yorn, The Jacobs Family, No Guarantees Productions, Front Row Productions, Sharpton Swindal Productions, Grove Entertainment, The Jaime Family, John Gore Organization, Terria Joseph, Andy Nahas, James L. Nederlander, Candy Spelling, Clara Wu Tsai, Universal Music Publishing, Independent Presenters Network, Della Pietra Spark Theatrical, TodayTix ARGU, Score 3 Partners and The Public Theater, serve as co-producers.
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About the Cissy Houston Lifetime Achievement Award
2025 marked the inaugural presentation of the Cissy Houston Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring the extraordinary legacy of the late Dr. Emily “Cissy” Houston. A perennial performer at McDonald’s Gospelfest for more than 30 years, Houston was an icon of the music industry—a consummate solo artist, legendary background vocalist, devoted woman of faith, and the beloved mother of the legendary “Voice,” Whitney Houston. Dr. Cissy Houston’s influence and legacy will continue to echo for generations to come.
About McDonald’s Gospelfest
McDonald’s Gospelfest, the preeminent gospel music event in the world, originated in 1983 under the auspices of the McDonald’s Corporation and the McDonald’s New York Metro Owner/Operator Association. More than 42 years later, it has grown into a global gospel celebration, bringing joy, inspiration, encouragement, and hope to millions worldwide. Throughout its history, McDonald’s Gospelfest has showcased choirs, soloists, and praise dancers from Africa, Japan, Korea, China, South America, the Caribbean, and every state in the Union.
About A. Curtis Farrow, CEO
A. Curtis Farrow is the founder and owner of Irving Street Rep., Inc., a Black-owned boutique agency. Internationally recognized as the producer of McDonald’s Gospelfest, Farrow has directed and produced the event for 26 years, helping elevate it to its status as the nation’s premier gospel music celebration. His work has earned him three Emmy Awards and seventeen nominations. Farrow also organized and produced the homegoing services for the late Whitney Houston and, more recently, Aretha Franklin, which were viewed by millions around the world. In 2014, he broke the Guinness World Record for the Largest Gospel Choir with 1,175 voices, followed by a 5,000-voice choir event at Nassau Coliseum in 2018. Farrow credits his accomplishments to his unwavering faith and belief in God.
