‘질풍노도’ 뉴욕 소녀 심장, 얼리샤 음악과 박동할 때…뮤지컬 ‘헬스키친’

New York's Harlem district of “Helskitchen” is a neighborhood where the lives of workers and immigrants intertwine, and where poor artists nurture their dreams. This area, on the fringes of a bustling metropolis, has been a stage for dreams, survival, love, and anger. Last month, the Korean premiere of the musical “Helskitchen” (until November 8th) opened at Seoul's GS Art Center, bringing the lively energy of this street to Seoul’s stage.

Singer-songwriter Alyssa Keyes, a Grammy 17-time winner, had long nurtured her own artistic ambitions on this very street. The musical, which premiered before its curtain, immediately transported audiences to 1990s New York. Alicia Keys’ hit songs merged with R&B, hip-hop, jazz, and piano melodies, creating a sonic experience that felt like the city itself.

The story begins with 17-year-old Ali (played by Son Seung-yeon, Kim Soo-ha, and Park Ji-won), who tries to break free from her mother's fence (played by Park Hwa-na and Choi Hyun-seon). As love and rebellion clash, Ali meets piano teacher Miss Lajara Jane (played by Jeong Yong-ju and Kim Young-ju), awakening her passion for music.

With her newfound love for the Helskitchen district, Ali falls for the free-spirited musician Dad Davis (played by Kei Wil and Tay) and confronts his struggles. The true power of the stage lies in music and dance, with ensemble performances enhancing both the density of songs and the intensity of movement. The set goes beyond mere decoration, amplifying the city's roar and vibrancy, and the characters' burning desires.

The actors' voices evoke emotion, while dancers bring those emotions to life in the audience's seats. The metal frame structure, reminiscent of a high-rise apartment's exterior, moves swiftly between home, street, piano practice room, and club. Rather than recreating space realistically, the set visualizes the city's rhythm and landscape.

Characters, bands, and dancers appear and disappear across the frames, bringing the complex, vibrant atmosphere of New York to life. Even familiar songs take on new meaning within this narrative. The love song "No One" expands to encompass Ali and her mother's relationship, while "If I Ain't Got You" ties together Ali and her father's emotional journey.

The pinnacle comes with "Empire State of Mind," as the audience is struck by the energy of the performers, filling the theater with a sense of time well spent.