NYC Gazette

Playwright and NYU arts professor Kristoffer Diaz is set to make his Broadway debut with the musical "Hell’s Kitchen." The production, which features music by Alicia Keys, will begin previews at the Shubert Theatre on March 28 and officially open on April 20. The creative team includes director Michael Greif and choreographer Camille A. Brown.

Diaz recalls his first meeting with Keys in 2012 when she was discussing a musical inspired by her early life in New York City. “We shared a lot of cultural references,” Diaz said, noting their mutual appreciation for mid- to late-90s hip-hop music.

"Hell’s Kitchen" premiered at the Public Theater before announcing its move to Broadway. Diaz expressed enthusiasm about this opportunity: “It’s a rare opportunity to know you’re going to Broadway while the show is still running.”

Raised in Yonkers, Diaz has been affiliated with NYU since 1995, where he studied at the Gallatin School of Individualized Study and later earned an MFA from Tisch School of the Arts. He began teaching at NYU in 2015.

Diaz gained national recognition with his play "The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity," which was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in Drama. His work has been performed across various theaters including Goodman Theatre and Geffen Playhouse. He has also adapted works for television such as "Rent" and wrote for Netflix's series "GLOW."

Discussing his collaboration with Keys, Diaz mentioned that they quickly connected over shared cultural markers like Timberland boots, Nas, and Wu-Tang Clan. Regarding the narrative approach for "Hell’s Kitchen," Diaz explained that it was not intended as a biopic but rather a fictional story inspired by emotional aspects of Keys' life.

Keys' music plays a significant role in the production, featuring some of her biggest hits alongside new material created specifically for the show. “You know at some point someone is going to stop doing what they’re doing and sing ‘Fallin’,” said Diaz.

Reflecting on his dual role as an educator and playwright, Diaz emphasized the importance of being actively involved in professional writing while teaching dramatic arts students at NYU. He highlighted how engaging with younger generations helps him stay informed about evolving social awareness and technology trends.

Diaz continues to contribute to theater through both original works and adaptations, maintaining that teaching enriches his understanding of storytelling dynamics necessary for effective collaboration within theatrical productions.