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Places, please for ELLE’s monthly column Showstoppers, where theater’s biggest stars reflect upon the moment in their career where the famous phrase “the show must go on” became a little too real. When things don’t go according to plan onstage, here’s how the pros react—and what they take away from it.
This month, Maleah Joi Moon, who just received the Tony Award for Best Performance by an Lead Actress in a Musical for her turn as Ali in Hell’s Kitchen, shares how she powered through a recent injury. The star also discusses her relationship with Hell’s Kitchen’s inspiration, Alicia Keys, whose music is featured in the musical, and her journey to Broadway.
I got injured a little while ago. I had a stumble on stage, and I landed on my ankle wrong, and that was a thing in itself. But, the actual moment where the show had to go on was just a week or two later. I was dancing during one of the bigger numbers in Act I, “Kaleidoscope.” I always look forward to performing that song on stage. It’s a fun number. I get to perform with the dancers, which doesn’t always happen in the show, because it’s usually just Ali, my character, on stage. Any moment where I can feel the love of the cast and there’s high energy is always fun.
But, as I was sitting on the piano in the number. I stepped on my ankle the wrong way getting off of the piano, and it just re-agitated the injury. It was interesting though, because oddly enough, I was able to keep going that time, and I got through the rest of the number, which was actually the best it had been in a couple days. It’s funny how stuff works out. The moment I got to step offstage after applause, it was immediate. Our dance captain was right there and was like, “Just breathe. Let’s evaluate.” I had people holding on to me and like, “Are you okay?”
Our cast is very family-oriented. When things go wrong, you could always count on people to be by your side, especially when injuries and serious things happen. They sat me down in a chair, got me an Advil, and we had a physical therapist come up just to check on it and make sure it was good. I was like, “I think I’m okay, I just need a little bit more wrap.”
The show went on. That’s live theater, which is the gig.
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On her journey to Broadway:
“I wish I had more vernacular for it, but I’m still processing. I try to take things day by day and just prep, sleep, water and things like that, but then when I get a second to really sit down and evaluate what’s happening around me and this journey that I’m on, it’s ridiculous.
“I left school in 2022. I started working on some film and TV stuff. I did a couple little workshops and stuff here and there, and then the audition for Hell’s Kitchen came about. I said no to it at first. My self-esteem at the time was just so different, and this project felt too big for me. Why would I get cast into something like this?
“Of course, I auditioned, and the audition was awesome. I got in for the development of it down at The Public Theater before I was cast to be in the production of it down on Lafayette. I met Alicia [Keys] within the first couple days. The creative team, the cast, the vibe, The Public Theater, all of it, was just like I had my fingers crossed that I could keep doing the role for as long as I could. They taught me so much and took a chance on me. Now we’re here. It’s really wild.”
On winning a Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical:
“It’s very fairytale, very much like a corny Broadway movie. I think about it a lot, and not to say that I’m a first by any means, but in what world do you come out of college not even finishing your degree, and end up being on Broadway, one, leading a Broadway show, two, and then win a Tony. It was the best surprise ever. I so totally wasn’t expecting it.
“Just being nominated with veterans like Kelli O’Hara, it was ridiculous. I was honored to just be there. When they called my name, it was like, ‘This is a dream. This is what I’ve been dreaming for a long time.’ I did not expect it to happen at 21, I’ll tell you that much.”
On her relationship with Alicia Keys:
“She’s a friend. She’s this big sister, mama-bear type of teacher, mentor, guru person. She’s a household name, and she’s an international superstar. Of course, she’s a R&B icon, now Broadway.
“She, from the beginning, established herself as this very kind, grounded spirit that I could always look to if I needed help or I needed to feel advocated for. Whenever we get the chance, she’ll take me out to dinner and we’ll get some sushi together, and she’ll just check on my well-being and make sure that I’m meditating and I’m drinking water and I’m sleeping and all the good things. She’s very protective, and I appreciate her so much.”
On her costar and fellow Tony winner, Kecia Lewis:
“Kecia Lewis is one of my favorite people that I’ve met in the last two and a half years working on this project. She is one of the most grounded and kind and secure individuals, and she brings me so much peace when I’m going through things on this project, and I’m learning how to navigate new situations. I’m lucky to have been able to attach myself to her, especially when I really need support.
“She’s always there for me. Watching her get up on the Tonys stage and accept the flowers that she deserves, I mean, not to be like, ‘Oh, I saw it coming,’ but she’s magical and she’s so talented and a wonderful human being. She really, truly deserves it. Getting to share that night with her, I mean, you’re just adding more and more to this wonderful, wonderful cake.”
Kecia Lewis and Maleah Joi Moon in Hell’s Kitchen
On her parents’ support:
“I didn’t have a performing arts adolescence. When I think about it, yeah, I was doing shows and stuff like that at my public high school, but I wasn’t in regional theater as a kid or anything like that.
“I’m thankful to my parents because regardless of whatever place we were in, where we were living, and what my opportunities and resources were at the time, they made sure that I was exposed to good art, whether it was just between different genres of music and giving me a very eclectic music taste as I grew up, or making sure that I got to go see The Lion King as a kid. That was my first Broadway show, and I still remember it. I was probably seven or eight years old at the time.
“They made sure that I auditioned for the shows and I was doing band, and I was dancing in middle school. They were always very, very encouraging of my dreams. I can’t imagine how hard that must be for the both of them. My dad grew up in the Bronx and didn’t have the most glamorous upbringing, and my mom is an immigrant from Belize. For them to come to their place in this world as adults, and not only encourage me to find success in my life but encourage me to find passion and follow my dreams, no matter how hard it was, they’ve always been stewards of that in my life. I thank them for everything that I have today.”
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
Maleah Joi Moon currently stars as Ali in Hell’s Kitchen at the Shubert Theatre. Tickets can be purchased here.