Gospel royalty is taking over 44th Street! Multi–Grammy Award winner Yolanda Adams is about to make her Broadway debut in Alicia Keys’s hit musical, Hell’s Kitchen. She’s stepping into the role of the fierce, no-nonsense piano teacher Miss Liza Jane, first brought to life by Tony winner Kecia Lewis. The show is inspired by Keys’s coming-of-age years in Manhattan. Spectrum News NY1 entertainment journalist Frank DiLella caught up with Adams right before her opening night to talk about performing on Broadway for the first time, channeling her own Miss Liza Jane, and the lessons she’s carrying with her onstage.
Yolanda, this is your Broadway debut as an actor! What does this moment mean to you?
This moment means so much to me. It’s a full-circle moment for the kid who was in drama classes in junior high and high school. This is amazing.
When were you first introduced to Broadway?
The Phantom of the Opera when I was younger. And then Cats. And then the older I got, I was introduced to The Wiz. I have so many wonderful memories — of course Dreamgirls, too! Jennifer Holliday is a dear friend and fellow Texan; we were always rooting for her. From 8 years old, Broadway has been a true love affair.
In doing my research on you, this is your Broadway debut as a performer, but not your first time being represented on Broadway. You contributed music to the score for SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical.
We wrote the song “Super Sea Star Savior,” which is sung by Patrick in SpongeBob. I was amazed when the director of SpongeBob, Tina Landau, called me and said, “We need a song for the show.” I was like, “Cool!” The whole process got me excited about Broadway all over again because I had done a lot of television, but not Broadway. I thought this might be what my mom meant when she said, “I see a Tony in your future.” [Laughs.]
Broadway is no joke. The rehearsal process is intense — eight shows a week is exhilarating, but intense. How are you prepping?
Because I tour, the adjustment isn’t so bad. I’m usually up at 1 p.m. getting my voice ready for 7 p.m. I have adjusted my schedule so I’m going to sleep earlier than I would normally.
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Talk about your relationship with Hell’s Kitchen.
I love Alicia Keys with all my heart, and I knew what she had was very special. I was invited to see it right after they won two Tonys. And once I saw it, I thought, “This is amazing.” I had no idea I would be playing Miss Liza Jane.
Speaking of Tonys and Miss Liza Jane, Kecia Lewis won a Tony for creating the role. Any words of advice from Kecia regarding taking on Miss Liza Jane?
Kecia is a Broadway icon. She’s been here for years. She knows exactly what to do and when to do it. I trailed her in prepping for the role. We’ve known each other for a while. To see her in action, she’s fantastic, and she gives me hope for my Miss Liza Jane. I have the privilege of following a master.
Miss Liza Jane mentors the central character of Ali in the musical. She also teaches her how to play the piano. Who is your Miss Liza Jane?
My first Miss Liza Jane was my mom. She was our music director at church. She taught me music, and then she sent me to my second Miss Liza Jane, Brenda Waters. Those two inspired me. And the more my music career took shape, Nancy Wilson and Natalie Cole — they mentored me, making sure I took care of my body and mental and physical health that are needed for this job.
Miss Liza Jane is an incredible teacher. In taking her on, what has she taught you?
That it’s important to leave a legacy and to trust your instinct with the people you say “He could be the next …” or “She could be the next …” And it’s OK to open up and give what you have to these amazing people who will honor you long after you’re gone.
As a musical artist, what’s it like to take on Alicia’s music?
I met Alicia when she was a teenager, with her mom and little brother, with Oprah Winfrey at the OWN studios way back in the day when we did a show together. And to watch her progression from artist to songwriter, producer, engineer, all the things she’s done, to now becoming an icon — it’s amazing. Here’s the thing about music and theater: Whenever you speak to the humanity and heart of a person, it’s always going to work. And that’s Alicia’s special gift. One of many. She can take joy, contemplation, that inner thing from her, and she knows how to translate it into palatable tones. She has a song for every feeling and emotion, every part of your life.
What Alicia song speaks to you the most?
“I’m Ready.” It’s one of those songs me and my husband got into. It’s sensual and beautiful, it’s dedicating, it’s all those things that you tell a person daily because marriage is the ebb and flow of life.
What do you want to take away from this new experience of performing on Broadway?
The connection with my fellow artists. And the connection with the audience. That’s the beauty of Broadway.
