DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE: Hell’s Kitchen’s Kecia Lewis

Thank goodness, this year’s Tonys saw Kecia Lewis getting her long overdue flowers, having awarded her Best Featured Actress in a Musical. Lewis’ ferocious performance in the Alicia Keys bio tuner cannot be overstated: playing young Ally’s music teacher and spiritual advisor of sorts, the work she’s doing at the Shubert Theatre must be seen, heard, and felt. 

Lewis’ Tony statue is a better-late-than-never for the ages, as she has been tearing up New York stages since Keys herself was still in diapers—literally, she made her Broadway debut the year the singer-songwriter was born. To prove it, we’re going way down the rabbit hole on this superstar’s career and megawatt talent. 

Dreamgirls

For proof of Lewis’ otherworldly talent, look no further than her Broadway debut—which she made at 18 years old!—in the original production of Dreamgirls. Fresh out of NYC’s High School of Performing Arts, Lewis was cast in the role of Edna Burk and additionally understudied Effie. While no video is readily accessible online (sleuths out there, do your thing), we couldn’t not start this deep-dive off with this iconic factoid. 

The Drowsy Chaperone

That’s right, Lewis is a member of another completely historic OBC, having originated the role of Trix in The Drowsy Chaperone. Needless to say, the vocals were vocaling (see below at the 4:28 mark for proof of as much) but most notable about this notch on her resume is that the role offered Lewis the chance to show off her comedy chops. It’s called range, folks. 

Once on This Island

A third “Oh my God, she was in that?” to add to this list. That’s right: Lewis was the original Asaka in Once on This Island. This is one of those moments where a performer and a role are such a magical pairing, that their meeting feels more inevitable than anything else. Just listen to her take on “Mama Will Provide.”

Marie and Rosetta 

This may qualify as what the kids call a “deep cut,” but if you were lucky enough to catch this two-hander musical at Atlantic Theater Company back in 2016, then you know you got to witness something truly special. You simply cannot top two hours of listening to Lewis and Rebecca Naomi Jones belting at each other. Watch the below clip and try to argue otherwise.

Children of a Lesser God

Since you don’t need any further proof that Lewis can belt the roof off of any structure that has one, how’s this for versatility: In 2018, she starred in the Broadway revival of Children of a Lesser God, in which she was utterly heartbreaking and for which she was egregiously snubbed of a Tony nomination. (Oh you thought we’d forgotten, Tony Awards? Well, think again.)

Hell’s Kitchen

Like we could actually leave off the reason for the season, and not include Lewis’ Tony-winning performance. Equal parts stern and tender, Lewis portrayal of Miss Liza Jane is a vocal display for the ages (her show-stopper, “Perfect Way to Die,” is one of those electric moments that keep a person coming back to the theater). But best of all, Lewis has laid a beautiful blueprint for the many actresses who will play this role for years to come. What a legacy.