Alicia Keys fascinated by theatre

Alicia Keys says theatre has always been a "fascination" for her.

The Grammy Award-winning musician has co-produced the Broadway show Stick Fly. The project is a firm shift from her chart-topping music, and Alicia has revealed her motives behind taking on the challenge.

"It's my first time composing music for a show. You start out as an innocent. Sitting in on rehearsal. Then putting ideas together. I asked myself how I'd feel as an audience member then followed it. I'd sit at the piano, next I added a melancholy percussion feeling and in my studio put in some guitar strings," she explained in an interview with the New York Post.

"Theatre's a passion, my fascination since I'm a little girl. Mom took me to study acting when I was young. Being part of Broadway is a dream."

Alicia puts her success down to her mother. The 30-year-old star grew up in New York's gritty Hell's Kitchen area. She says her mom was so supportive of her growing up, even though she had her own hardships.

"My mom's the reason for my success. I tell her all the time she helped show me how to be a woman. She's my pillar. Always there. We're completely honest and comfortable with one another. I need her approval," she gushed.

"She worked hard. Lots of hours. Leave 8am before my school, home 10pm. She paid those bills. She taught me, 'Stand up for yourself. Nobody else will.' She taught me to be strong. Clear. Never back out on your word."

Alicia has a 14-month-old son, Egypt, with her husband Swizz Beatz. The star says her life has changed dramatically since entering motherhood.

"[I] wash dishes, shop for food, care for my little boy, sing little silly songs around the house like anybody else. My hours and work don't allow much rest. I used to get up at 8. Now [it's] 6.30am because my son's day starts early. Sometimes I catch a little nap. Often I get to bed around 3am I don't get enough sleep," she said.

© Cover Media