Chafeeza

To use the phrase “I love it when a plan comes together” would be robbing the universe of alignment and GOD of his glory.

A few weeks ago, I entered an Instagram contest hoping to win tickets to “Hells Kitchen” Alicia Keys’ Broadway show.

(This is about the Broadway play, not Ramsay)

I didn’t win.

But through tagging all of my friends in South Florida, I got the attention of one my friends, Suzes.

She pitched the idea of us going together and making it a date night, she would secure a comp ticket through her connections and we could split the cost of a regular ticket. A plan I was totally onboard with!

Day of opening night, I didn’t receive any confirmation that our wild idea was a possibility until about 6pm, 90 minutes before curtain.

Suzes was calling and FaceTiming to inform me that not only was her comp ticket secured, she secured one for me as well.

And now you see why we give GOD the glory.

Once we made contact, I sped home, tended to the dogs, refreshed and made my way to the theater. I was parked, met Suzes, grabbed our drinks with a snack and we were in our seats at 7:32pm. Just in time for the opening number.

I knew the performance would be great. But the vocals blew me away. Everybody sang the house down…. I’m talking standing ovation, people talking to cast on stage, I wanted to throw a shoe during “Pawn it All” , Shoshanah Bean I was unfamiliar with your game but I’m officially a fan!

As the play continued, there was an older couple behind us (we moved up a row) singing to each other and along with the cast and I couldn’t even blame them.

To hear the Alicia’s songs interwoven into the dialogue and the story of her life was so cool. The classics we know and love….

“Like you’ll never see me again” written by Alicia for her grandmother brought tears to my eyes as young Alicia and Knuck professed their love for one another.

“If I ain’t got you”, I was a teenage girl again auditioning at a car dealership in Seminole County for a singing contest. I can’t remember which one, during that phase of my life I was everywhere including American Idol auditions.

“Unthinkable”, I was instantly taking back to Tallahassee, summer 2010. It was the summer I had micros braids installed for the first and last time and love was in the air.

During intermission, we met a few friends, thanked our ticket connect for the opportunity, grabbed a second drink, snapped a few pics & discussed the passion of the cast and how this is their job, they travel and live out their dreams.

That’s the power of the arts and of music. It transcends across time and space. It has the power to inspire you to create. And then that work inspires someone else.

It’s a powerful cycle for those who participate.

Share your gifts, they will make room for you.

” Miss Liza Jean” played by Roz White has thee most confident and commanding stage presence, even though we knew that she would transition during the play and this would be a pivotal point in Alicia’s life, I still cried. Imagine losing your first love, your mentor, fighting with your mother and dealing with an unreliable father. The emotion in the room was overwhelming. The funeral in the Ellington Room had me grasping my chest.

Miss Liza Jean taught young Alicia to channel her pain through through her music as she taught her the patriarchs and matriarchs of piano. She shared her gifts with “Ali” who has shared her gift with the world.

As I drove home, blasting the Hells’ Kitchen soundtrack, I thought about Ryan Coogler attending Beyoncé’s tour & how it has inspired him in his most recent project Oscar nominated (and hopefully winner) Sinners.

One of my favorite tracks from the production is Hallelujah/Like Water.

“And if the drought hits tonight
Do not fear because you and I
We are like water, like water
Made to survive
And if the drought hits tonight
Do not fear because you and I
We’re part of each other, like water
You’ve given me life”

I’m grateful.

So happy that we were able to attend.

Hell’s Kitchen is on stage at Au Rene Theater in Broward County until the 22nd, and I’m definitely willing to attend again.

If you ask me, I’m ready.