Nine-time Grammy nominee Durrell "Tank" Babbs makes his Broadway debut in the Alicia Keys musical Hell's Kitchen beginning March 11, playing a 13-week limited engagement as Davis. Tank succeeds original cast member Brandon Victor Dixon, who played his final performance in the show March 9.
“Stepping onto the Broadway stage is a dream come true," said Tank in an earlier 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 theatre 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!"
The production features music and lyrics by Keys and a book by Kristoffer Diaz. Inspired by the 15-time Grammy winner's life, the story centers on 17-year-old Ali and her mother, sharing a cramped apartment near Times Square. Ali wants to live out her NYC dream, but Mom is scared her daughter will repeat her own mistakes. Ali is further confused when her estranged father—Davis, who is a musician—comes back into her life.
“From songwriting to producing to performing, Tank brings so many talents to the table as a multi-faceted artist,� added 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's 25-year career has included eight number-one singles, including "Can't Let It Show," "I Deserve," "Slow," "See Through Love," "Before We Get Started," and "When We." He's also collaborated with such industry stars as Beyoncé, Aaliyah, Fantasia, Jamie Foxx, and Jennifer Hudson.
Hell's Kitchen officially opened at the Shubert Theatre April 20 after beginning previews March 28—read the reviews here. Michael Greif directs the work, which features choreography by Camille A. Brown.
Leading lady Maleah Joi Moon, who won a 2024 Tony Award for her performance as Ali, will play her final performance in the musical March 30, to be succeeded by current understudy Jade Milan through May 25. Gianna Harris will be the role's alternate, with further casting to be announced.
The current cast also stars Jessica Vosk (Wicked) as Jersey, Phillip Johnson Richardson (The Wiz) as Knuck, and Tony winner Kecia Lewis (Ain't Misbehavin') as Miss Liza Jane, along with 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. Casting is by Heidi Griffiths and Kate Murray.
READ: Brandon Victor Dixon Reflects on His Time in Hell's Kitchen
Greif reassembled his complete Off-Broadway creative team for the Broadway bow. The music team includes music director Lily Ling and orchestrators Adam Blackstone and Tom Kitt with arrangements by Keys and Blackstone. The creative team also includes scenic designer Robert Brill, costume designer Dede Ayite, lighting designer Natasha Katz, sound designer Gareth Owen, projection designer Peter Nigrini, hair and wig designer Mia Neal, and makeup designer Michael Clifton. Foresight Theatrical is general manager, and Danny Maly serves as production stage manager.
The Broadway production was nominated for 13 2024 Tony Awards, including Best Musical. It won Tonys for Moon and Lewis' performances, and also took home the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album.
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