You only have a short window of time to experience the amazing Yolanda Adams in Broadway’s “Hell’s Kitchen” playing at the Shubert Theatre. In this Alicia Keys musical, Adams portrays the stunning role of Miss Liza Jane, the neighbor and mentor who teaches Ali to play the piano and passes on a musical legacy and the wisdom of the ancestors to this 17-year-old girl.
Everyone knows Adams for her glorious gospel singing career, which has spanned 40 years. She is a Grammy Award-winning artist and television star, but what she does on that stage is beyond your dreams. Her passion, her tenderness, her belief in the ancestors, and her ability to strengthen and inspire people are so evident every moment she is on the stage. Your heart just feels her warmth come across into the audience. Watching her perform the role of Miss Liza Jane, which you will only be able to do until Jan. 25, you see a beautiful woman who is beautiful not only physically, but also spiritually. Adams recently took the time to speak with the AmNews about this role. A Q&A follows.
Yolanda Adams speaks with the AmNews about performing the song “A Perfect Way to Die” in Broadway’s “Hell’s Kitchen
AmNews: Ms. Adams, did you go to see the musical before taking the part?
YA: I did get a chance to see the musical before I accepted the role.
AmNews: What attracted you to this role?
YA: I’ve had so many great mentors in my life before becoming a mentor and the character felt warmly familiar.
AmNews: What did you find challenging about this role?
YA: The only challenge was blocking which is different in rehearsal than on the real stage. Things move easier on the stage. After a couple of times, I adjusted quickly.
AmNews: You look like you’re having fun, especially in the first act. What are you experiencing while on the stage in this hit musical?
YA: I am having a ball. I believe when you commit to something, you must do it wholeheartedly or not at all.
AmNews: How emotional was it for you to sing “Perfect Way To Die”?
YA: First of all, the song is full of emotions, it’s full of heart, it’s full of tragedy, so it takes a special moment to get yourself ready for that. We’re talking — Mike Brown, Sandra Bland, Bryanna Taylor, and most recently, Miss Renee Good. There are so many incidents in the community where we see how people have been mistreated. Their rights have been taken away and so I just lean on the fact of my emotions when I first saw the depiction on television and how my heart felt and so I bring that up every night. It’s very, very emotional. After that, thank God there is an intermission, so that I can collect myself because it’s very hard to sing about things that the world has like, really witnessed and they’ve witnessed such tragedy that you know you can’t unsee those things. So it’s very emotional and I take a little time to get back to center. Yeah, “A Perfect Way To Die” is a very emotional song.
AmNews: You play the character with heart and empathy, determined to share musical history with Ali. Where does that heart come from?
YA: Because the song is performed at the memorial service, it reassures her that she’s not alone in her life pursuits, that there’s no fear in death, and that we all eventually become eternal spirits.
AmNews: What does the song “Hallelujah/Like Water” mean to you?
YA: Miss Liza Jane has experienced life on so many levels. Once she chooses Ali as her mentee, she feels obligated to reveal truths about music and its rich history. She wants to equip Ali with the tools necessary for success.
AmNews: What does the character of Miss Liza Jane mean in the Black community — mother, mother of a murdered Black son, teacher, mentor, a passer-on of legacy, a giving person who inspires all?
YA: The Black Community has always had many Miss Liza Janes. The teacher, the secretary, the hairdresser, the cooks, etc., we grew up knowing that everyone can contribute to the whole if we take time to listen.
AmNews: How does playing this character touch your heart?
YA: Miss Liza Jane is determined to make a difference and she does. I believe this is so necessary now.
AmNews: You are a well-loved gospel artist. What aspects of this character resonate in your soul?
YA: Her compassion, tough love, and kindness are all a part of great humanity. That’s why Miss Liza Jane rocks.
AmNews: Why should people come to see you in this role by Jan. 25?
YA: I would love for people to see my performances from now ‘till Jan 25. But people should come and see “Hell’s Kitchen” because it’s fun, eye-opening, beautiful, rough, compelling, and triumphant.