Tank to join 'Hell's Kitchen' Broadway cast

The nine-time Grammy Award-nominated musician will make his Broadway debut this March in the Tony-winning musical featuring the hit songs of Alicia Keys.

Now he's in New York! Durrell “Tank” Babbs will make his Broadway debut in Hell's Kitchen, playing his first performance at the Shubert Theatre March 11 and performing for 13 weeks only.

Tank is a nine-time Grammy Award-nominated singer, songwriter, producer, and actor with a career spanning more than 25 years. As a performer, he has gone platinum and achieved eight number-one singles including “Can’t Let It Show,” “I Deserve,” “Slow,” “See Through Love,” “Before We Get Started,” and “When We.” He has also written and/or produced music for artists like Beyoncé, Chris Brown, Aaliyah, Fantasia, Jamie Foxx, and Jennifer Hudson.

In Hell's Kitchen, Tank will step into the role of Davis, replacing Tony Award-nominated original cast member Brandon Victor Dixon, who plays his final performance March 9.

“From songwriting to producing to performing, Tank brings so many talents to the table as a multi-faceted artist,” said Hell's Kitchen songwriter and producer Alicia Keys in a statement. “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.’”

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

Written by Kristoffer Diaz and directed by Michael Greif, Hell's Kitchen features Keys's catalog of hits and is loosely inspired by her own upbringing in the title Manhattan neighborhood. The musical follows 17-year-old Ali as she comes of age, fights for independence, and discovers her passion for music.

Tank will perform alongside Tony winner Maleah Joi Moon as Ali, Tony winner Kecia Lewis as Miss Liza Jane, Jessica Vosk as Jersey, and Phillip Johnson Richardson as Knuck.

As previously announced, Moon will play her final performance as Ali on March 30, after which Jade Milan will assume the role. Gianna Harris will serve as the Ali alternate.

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Photo credit: Tank. (Photo by Marc J. Franklin)