Durrell “Tank” Babbs to Make Broadway Debut in "Hell’s Kitchen" for Limited Engagement

R&B powerhouse Durrell “Tank” Babbs is stepping onto the Broadway stage! The nine-time Grammy Award nominee will make his highly anticipated Broadway debut in "Hell’s Kitchen", taking on the role of Davis for a limited 13-week engagement.

Tank joins the Grammy Award-winning musical on the heels of an unforgettable season, replacing Tony Award nominee Brandon Victor Dixon, who will take his final bow on Sunday, March 9.

A Dream Realized: Tank’s Journey to Broadway

Durrell “Tank” Babbs

“Stepping onto the Broadway stage is a dream come true," Tank shared. "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!"

Keys, the 17-time Grammy winner behind the show’s music, expressed her excitement about Tank joining the production:

“From songwriting to producing to performing, Tank brings so many talents to the table as a multi-faceted artist. 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.”

About "Hell’s Kitchen"

Currently playing at Broadway’s Shubert Theatre, "Hell’s Kitchen" is a coming-of-age New York City story inspired by Alicia Keys’s own experiences. With a book by Pulitzer Prize finalist Kristoffer Diaz, music supervision by Emmy & Grammy winner Adam Blackstone, and direction by four-time Tony nominee Michael Greif, the show blends 90s nostalgia with an unforgettable story of love, ambition, and self-discovery.

At its heart is Ali, a firecracker 17-year-old searching for her identity, freedom, and purpose. Raised by an overprotective single mother, she finds a mentor who introduces her to the power of music, setting her on a path of transformation.

The show has already made a huge impact, winning the 2025 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theatre Album and drawing rave reviews for its electrifying performances and soul-stirring soundtrack featuring new and classic Alicia Keys hits.

A Star-Studded Cast & Creative Team

Tank will take the stage alongside a stellar cast, including:

• Jessica Vosk
• Tony Award nominee Brandon Victor Dixon (until March 9)
• Tony Award winner Kecia Lewis
• Phillip Johnson Richardson
• Tony Award winner Maleah Joi Moon, who will play her final performance on March 30

Jade Milan, the show’s current Ali understudy, will step into the lead role through May 25, 2025, with Gianna Harris serving as the alternate.

The creative team also includes choreography by four-time Tony nominee Camille A. Brown, scenic design by Tony nominee Robert Brill, lighting by Tony winner Natasha Katz, and sound by Tony winner Gareth Owen.

Tank: A Force in R&B & Beyond

With a 25-year career, Tank has become an R&B legend. His platinum-selling discography includes eight #1 singles, such as:
🎵 "Can’t Let It Show"
🎵 "I Deserve"
🎵 "Slow"
🎵 "See Through Love"

Beyond his own hits, he has written and produced for icons like Beyoncé, Chris Brown, Aaliyah, Fantasia, and Jennifer Hudson. He’s also built a successful acting career, starring in projects like:

• "The New Edition Story" (BET)
• "The Bobby Brown Story" (BET)
• "Togetherness" (HBO)
• "Hit The Floor" (VH1)

In 2022, Tank co-launched the R&B Money Podcast with J. Valentine, giving fans an insider’s look at the past, present, and future of R&B. The show, which debuted as the #1 music podcast, has featured legends like Smokey Robinson, Babyface, Dionne Warwick, and Jamie Foxx.

Despite facing hearing loss, Tank has remained resilient, continuing to create, perform, and inspire. His impact on music and culture was recognized by EBONY Magazine’s 2024 Power 100, and he recently received a 2025 NAACP Image Award nomination.

How to See Tank in "Hell’s Kitchen"

📍 Where: Shubert Theatre (225 West 44th Street, NYC)
🎟 Tickets: Available at HellsKitchen.com and Telecharge.com

💸 Lottery Tickets: $39, available via digital lottery at rush.telecharge.com
💸 Rush Tickets: $39, available in-person at the Shubert Theatre box office (subject to availability)

🎭 Performance Schedule:

• Tuesday, Thursday & Friday – 7PM
• Wednesday – 7:30PM
• Saturday – 8PM
• Matinees: Wednesday & Saturday at 2PM, Sunday at 3PM

💡 Translations available in: Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, French, and Mandarin via GalaPro & I-Caption.

Don’t Miss This Limited Engagement!

With Tank making his Broadway debut, an electrifying Alicia Keys soundtrack, and an award-winning creative team, "Hell’s Kitchen" is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about Broadway experiences of the year.

Get your tickets now—this limited engagement won’t last long!

📲 Follow @HellsKitchenBway on social media for updates!