Nine-time Grammy Award nominee
DURRELL “TANK” BABBS
To Make Broadway Debut in HELL’S KITCHEN
For Limited Engagement
Music & Lyrics by Grammy winner ALICIA KEYS
Book by Pulitzer Prize finalist KRISTOFFER DIAZ
Music Supervision by Emmy & Grammy winner ADAM BLACKSTONE
Choreography by Tony Award nominee CAMILLE A. BROWN
Directed by Tony Award nominee MICHAEL GREIF
GRAMMY AWARD WINNER for BEST MUSICAL THEATRE ALBUM 2025
Now Playing At Broadway’s Shubert Theatre
(New York, NY) Broadway’s Grammy Award-winning HELL’S KITCHEN announces today that nine-time Grammy Award nominee Durrell “Tank” Babbs will join the company as “Davis” for 13-weeks only. He will replace Brandon Victor Dixon, who originated and received a Tony Award nomination for his performance and will play his final performance on Sunday, March 9.
“Stepping onto the Broadway stage is a dream come true," said Tank. "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!"
“From songwriting to producing to performing, Tank brings so many talents to the table as a multi-faceted artist,” said Alicia Keys. “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 a multi-Grammy nominated and platinum-selling singer, songwriter, producer and actor with a career spanning over 25 years. His catalog includes some of the genre’s biggest hits, including eight #1 singles, “Can’t Let It Show,” “I Deserve,” “Slow,” “See Through Love,” “Before We Get Started” and “When We.”
As a songwriter and producer. Tank has collaborated with some of the industry’s biggest names including Beyoncé, Chris Brown, Aaliyah, Fantasia, Jamie Foxx, and Jennifer Hudson, among others. His acting credits include roles in Lifetime’s “Seven Deadly Sins: Lust,” HBO’s Togetherness,” VH-1’s “Hit The Floor,” and BET’s “The New Edition Story” and “The Bobby Brown Story,” among others.
HELL’S KITCHEN is directed by four-time Tony Award® nominee Michael Greif, with choreography by four-time Tony Award® nominee Camille A. Brown, a book by Pulitzer Prize finalist Kristoffer Diaz – and the music of 17-time Grammy winner Alicia Keys, featuring new songs and her greatest hits.
The current “powerhouse cast” (Variety) is led by Jessica Vosk, Tony Award® nominee Brandon Victor Dixon, Tony Award® winner Kecia Lewis, Phillip Johnson Richardson and Tony Award® winner Maleah Joi Moon. Moon, who originated and received a Tony Award for their performance as “Ali,” will play their final performance on Sunday, March 30. Current “Ali” understudy, Jade Milan, will assume the role through May 25, 2025, with Gianna Harris serving as the “Ali” alternate. Additional casting for “Ali” will be announced at a later date.
The company also features Angela Birchett, Chad Carstarphen, Reid Clarke, Chloe Davis, Nico DeJesus, Timothy L. Edwards, Desmond Sean Ellington, Badia Farha, Vanessa Ferguson, Gianna Harris, Jakeim Hart, Takia Hopson, Gabriel Hyman, Lindsey Jolyn Jackson, Eliazar Jimenez, Kelsee Kimmel, Jackie Leon, Raechelle Manalo, Jade Milan, 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.
Ali is a 17-year-old girl full of fire – searching for freedom, passion and her place in the world. How she finds them is a New York City coming-of-age story you've never felt before – HELL’S KITCHEN, a new musical from 17-time Grammy® Award winner Alicia Keys, whose songs and experiences growing up in NY inspire a story made for Broadway.
Rebellious and stifled by an overprotective single mother, Ali is lost until she meets her mentor: a neighbor who opens her heart and mind to the power of the piano. Set to the rhythm of the 90s, HELL’S KITCHEN is a love story between a mother and daughter. It's about finding yourself, your purpose, and the community that lifts you. Come remember where dreams begin.
The creative team for HELL’S KITCHEN includes, Tony Award® nominee Robert Brill (Scenic Design), Tony Award® winner Dede Ayite (Costume Design), Tony Award® winner Natasha Katz (Lighting Design), Tony Award® winner Gareth Owen (Sound Design), Tony Award® nominee Peter Nigrini (Projection Design), Mia Neal (Hair and Wig Design), Michael Clifton (Makeup Design), Heidi Griffiths and Kate Murray (Casting), Danny Maly (Production Stage Manager), and Foresight Theatrical (General Management).
The music team of HELL’S KITCHEN includes orchestrations by Tom Kitt and Adam Blackstone, arrangements by Alicia Keys and Adam Blackstone, music consulting by Tom Kitt and music direction by Lily Ling.
HELL’S KITCHEN began performances on Thursday, March 28, 2024 and opened on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at Broadway’s Shubert Theatre (225 West 44th Street.).
HELL’S KITCHEN made its world premiere October 24, 2023 running until January 14, 2024, including a five-week extension at The Public Theater this past fall.
HELL’S KITCHEN offers translations through GalaPro and I-Caption for the following languages: Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, French and Mandarin.
HELL’S KITCHEN on Broadway is produced by AKW Productions. Aaron Lustbader serves as Executive Producer. Roc Nation, DML Productions, Mandy Hackett, Julie Yorn, The Jacobs Family, The Sunshine Group, Front Row Productions, Sharpton Swindal Productions, The Jaime Family, John Gore Organization, Terria Joseph, Andy Nahas, James L. Nederlander, Candy Spelling, Clara Wu Tsai, Universal Music Publishing, Grove Entertainment, Independent Presenters Network, Della Pietra Spark Theatricals and Score 3 Partners serve as co-producers.
ABOUT TANK
DURRELL “TANK” BABBS (Davis) is a multi-Grammy-nominated, platinum-selling singer, songwriter, producer, and actor with a career spanning over 25 years. He has solidified his place as an R&B icon with a catalog that includes some of the genre’s biggest hits. His 10th studio album, R&B Money, produced five #1 singles and further cemented his legacy, marking his eighth #1 R&B hit since 2017. Tank also celebrated the re-release of his first three albums—Force of Nature, One Man, and Sex, Love & Pain—rekindling his connection with longtime fans while introducing a new generation to his remarkable discography.
As a songwriter and producer, Tank has been a driving force behind hits for some of the industry’s biggest names, including Beyoncé, Chris Brown, Aaliyah, Alicia Keys, Fantasia, Jamie Foxx, and Jennifer Hudson, while also collaborating with rising stars like Muni Long, Eric Bellinger, Rotimi, Sammie, and Feather. In addition to his musical contributions, Tank has built an impressive acting résumé, appearing in HBO’s Togetherness, VH1’s Born Again Virgin, BET’s The New Edition Story and The Bobby Brown Story, among others.
Despite facing the challenge of significant hearing loss, Tank has remained resilient and open about his journey, inspiring many with his determination and refusal to let obstacles define his career.
In 2022, Tank, alongside longtime manager and collaborator J. Valentine, launched the R&B Money Podcast through iHeartMedia and Charlamagne tha God’s Black Effect Podcast Network. The show debuted as the #1 music podcast and has featured an all-star roster of guests, including Smokey Robinson, Babyface, Dionne Warwick, Jamie Foxx, LA Reid, Muni Long, and Ari Lennox. The podcast offers an intimate look into R&B’s past, present, and future, blending rich storytelling with an educational deep dive into the genre’s artistry and business.
Tank and J. Valentine were honored by EBONY Magazine’s 2024 Power 100 as “Media Mavens” for their contributions to R&B culture and were recently nominated for a 2025 NAACP Image Award, further recognizing their impact on the genre and entertainment industry.
Beyond the podcast, Tank continues to captivate audiences. He’s performed with legends such as New Edition and Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, delivered a show-stopping Tiny Desk Concert, and embarked on the sold-out R&B Money Tour with Keri Hilson and Carl Thomas. In 2024, he was invited to perform at the White House’s Black History Month Celebration, hosted by President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden—a prestigious honor that underscores his profound influence in entertainment.
Tank’s career stands as a testament to his talent, resilience, and unwavering commitment to R&B. From chart-topping albums and hit collaborations to groundbreaking media ventures and iconic live performances, he remains a powerful force in music and culture.