Serena Williams at the 94th Annual Academy Awards held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, USA on March 27, 2022.
Tennis legend Serena Williams is making an unexpected leap into the world of theatre, joining the producing team for the upcoming national tour of Broadway hit Hell’s Kitchen.
The jukebox musical, inspired by the teenage years of Alicia Keys, weaves together the Grammy winner’s iconic songs with the energy of the New York neighbourhood where she grew up. Since opening on Broadway, the show has earned praise for its vibrant score, raw storytelling, and powerhouse performances.
“I was blown away when I saw Hell’s Kitchen on Broadway last summer,” Williams shared in a statement. “I am proud to join the producing team of my first ever Broadway show and support Alicia and the amazing company of Hell’s Kitchenas they get ready to light up the country on tour. Go see Hell’s Kitchen when it comes to a city near you!”
The tour begins next month in Cleveland, before travelling to cities across North America. While the exact scope of Williams’ producing role has not been detailed, co-producers often play a key part in supporting the artistic and financial health of a large-scale production.
Keys, who developed the musical and whose catalogue anchors the score, expressed her excitement about Williams’ involvement. “Our show is all about dreaming big and there is no one who embodies that spirit quite like Serena Williams,” Keys said. “I am so excited to have Serena join the Hell’s Kitchen family as a co-producer as we begin our North American tour. It just keeps getting better!”
This new venture adds to Williams’ already wide-ranging entrepreneurial portfolio. Beyond her record-breaking career on the tennis court, the 23-time Grand Slam champion has invested in major sports franchises including the NFL’s Miami Dolphins, the NWSL’s Angel City FC, and the new WNBA expansion team in Toronto, which is set to debut in 2026.
Whether Williams will also make a surprise on-stage cameo during the run remains to be seen. But for now, her step into theatre cements her reputation as an icon unafraid to cross boundaries and embrace bold new challenges.
Photo Credit: DepositPhotos.com
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