Lil Rel Howery Raves About Hell’s Kitchen on Broadway
Comedian shares behind-the-scenes snapshots from a star-studded New York theater outing moment

Image: Instagram
Comic’s Broadway Adventure
Comedian and actor Lil Rel Howery took to Instagram this week to share highlights from a whirlwind New York City trip. Thanks to friend Candis Grace, Howery finally experienced Hell’s Kitchen on Broadway—a new play/musical produced by Grammy winner Alicia Keys and acclaimed music director Adam Blackstone. Posting a series of vibrant images, he praised the production as “amazing” and credited Grace for the introduction.
Memorable Cast Encounters
In his post, Howery describes meeting several members of the Hell’s Kitchen ensemble. He caught up with longtime friend Tank—known onstage as theRealTank—celebrating the R&B singer’s Broadway debut. “Chop it up with my boy about his Broadway debut,” Howery wrote, noting that most people don’t realize just how funny Tank is offstage.
Howery also struck up a quick friendship with Tony Award winner Kecia Lewis, tagging her as @therealkecialewis. Lewis, a two-time Tony honoree for her work in musical theater, shared a backstage selfie with Howery, both beaming at the camera. In one shot, Howery is flanked by Alicia Keys, who looked on as the group posed behind the theater curtain.
Behind-the-scenes Moments
The Instagram carousel includes five images offering glimpses into the Hell’s Kitchen world. One image shows Howery alongside Candis Grace in the theater lobby, tickets in hand. Another frame captures the comedian in a candid laugh with Tank near the stage entrance. Additional shots feature Howery with Keys and Blackstone in the orchestra pit, and a final group photo with Kecia Lewis wearing her Tony medallion.
These posts complement critical buzz around Hell’s Kitchen, which debuted last month to positive reviews for its energetic score, immersive set design, and diverse cast. Alicia Keys serves as lead producer, while Adam Blackstone supervises the music—both of whom were on hand to greet guests after curtain call.
A Chicago Star On The Rise
Born in Chicago and active since the mid-2000s, Lil Rel Howery first gained prominence on the sitcom The Carmichael Show. He broke out on the big screen with memorable roles in Get Out and Free Guy. A seasoned stand-up, Howery has toured nationally and released comedy specials that showcase his rapid-fire wit and storytelling prowess.
This New York theater jaunt marks one of several career highlights for Howery this year. In April, he joined friends for the premiere of Summer of ’69, written and directed by actress-comedian Jillian Bell. Howery praised the film on Instagram, calling it “so so so funny” and urging fans to stream it on Hulu.
Beyond screen and stage, Howery has ventured into production. He recently co-directed a short film with Sanicole and is set to make his feature directing debut with Haunted Heist. On social media, he’s teased plans for a new stand-up special and expanded his Keeping It Rel Comedy Tour with stops in Tacoma and Seattle following his Gotham Comedy Club engagement.
Nyc Trip To Remember
Despite a tight schedule—Howery noted the trip was “only for a few days”—his Broadway visit left a lasting impression. He closed his Instagram caption by declaring the weekend “one for the books” and adding the hashtag #HellsKitchenOnBroadway.
Fans responded with excitement, flooding the comments to praise his theater outing and tag their own Broadway bucket lists. One follower wrote, “Love to see you supporting live theater!” while another quipped, “Next stop: Hamilton?”
Whether he’s lighting up the silver screen or exploring a new stage in the heart of Manhattan, Lil Rel Howery continues proving that comedy and curiosity are a perfect match. His Hell’s Kitchen adventure confirms that his spotlight extends far beyond stand-up clubs.
Lil Rel Howery’s New York theater excursion underscores a career that blends stand-up roots with film, television, directing, and now a Broadway shout-out, all wrapped into a few memorable days in the city that never sleeps.

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