R&B powerhouse Durrell “Tank” Babbs is stepping into the bright lights of Broadway! The multi-talented singer, songwriter, and producer is making his long-awaited Broadway debut in Hell’s Kitchen, the hit musical inspired by the life and music of Alicia Keys.
Directed by Michael Greif, with a book by Kristoffer Diaz and choreography by Camille A. Brown, Hell’s Kitchen officially opened on Broadway in April 2024 after a successful Off-Broadway run. The current cast of Hell’s Kitchen includes Jessica Vosk, Kecia Lewis (Tony Award winner), Phillip Johnson Richardson, Maleah Joi Moon (Tony Award winner), Jade Milan (Ali understudy, stepping into the role through May 25), and Gianna Harris (Ali alternate).
The ensemble also features Angela Birchett, Chad Carstarphen, Reid Clarke, Chloe Davis, Nico DeJesus, Timothy L. Edwards, Desmond Sean Ellington, Badia Farha, Vanessa Ferguson, Jakeim Hart, Takia Hopson, Gabriel Hyman, Lindsey Jolyn Jackson, Eliazar Jimenez, Kelsee Kimmel, Jackie Leon, Raechelle Manalo, Onyxx Noel, Susan Oliveras, Sarah Parker, Eric Parra, Aaron Nicholas Patterson, Amanda Reid, William Roberson, Niki Saludez, Nyseli Vega, Lamont Walker II, and Oscar Whitney Jr.
Starting March 11, Tank will take on the role of Davis for a 13-week run at the Shubert Theatre, succeeding Tony-nominated actor Brandon Victor Dixon, whose final performance is set for March 9.
For Tank, this moment is nothing short of a dream come true.
“Stepping onto the Broadway stage is a dream come true,” he shared in a statement. “Music and acting have always been a part of my journey, and now, I get to bring them together in a whole new way. The energy of live theater is unmatched, and I’m honored to join this incredible cast and be part of telling this powerful story through Alicia Keys’ music. This transition is both thrilling and humbling, and I can’t wait to give audiences everything I’ve got!”
Alicia Keys, the Grammy-winning icon behind Hell’s Kitchen, is just as excited to have Tank join the production.
“From songwriting to producing to performing, Tank brings so many talents to the table as a multi-faceted artist,” Keys said. “We are thrilled he has chosen to make his Broadway debut at Hell’s Kitchen, and we can’t wait to show audiences the power and vulnerability he brings to the role of Davis.”
Tank is no stranger to storytelling—whether through his music or on-screen performances. With a career spanning over 25 years, the When We singer has penned and produced hits for some of the industry’s biggest names, including Beyoncé, Aaliyah, Fantasia, Jamie Foxx, and Jennifer Hudson. His own catalog boasts multiple No. 1 R&B hits, including Can’t Let It Show and I Deserve.
On the acting side, Tank has graced both the big and small screens with roles in Seven Deadly Sins: Lust (Lifetime), Togetherness (HBO), Hit The Floor (VH1), and BET’s The New Edition Story and The Bobby Brown Story.
If you haven’t experienced Hell’s Kitchen yet, now’s the time! Tickets are available at HellsKitchen.com.