If the Duane Reade on 49th and 6th is out of mascara this fall, you’ll know why. Tammy Faye, a musical based on the life of televangelist Tammy Faye Bakker is coming to the Palace Theatre, but the cast is going to be a little different than previously announced.
She’s coming …
March 22, 2024: *Blink, blink, blink* Tammy Faye is heading to Broadway featuring music by Elton John, lyrics by Jake Shears of the Scissor Sisters, and a book by James Graham (Finding Neverland). The musical previously played London’s West End, and the two principals are carrying it over the pond. Katie Brayben will reprise her Olivier Award–winning performance as Tammy Faye, making her Broadway debut alongside Andrew Rannells. The rest of the cast has yet to be announced. The show will begin previews on October 19, with opening night set for November 14. Get ready to buckle up and hear about how Jesus is inside you, because that’s just how a musical about televangelists written by a bunch of gay guys is gonna go.
Rannells out
June 16, 2024: Andrew Rannells, who played Jim Bakker in the West End version of the show and was intending to make the move across the pond, will not be in the show on Broadway after all. The actor said so himself on the Tonys red carpet. “I’m actually not doing Tammy Faye anymore,” he told CBS News. “I’m very sad to say.” It seems like the change is due to a contract disagreements. “I was very excited. I’m a huge fan of the show and unfortunately, we got into a situation where we couldn’t find terms that made everyone happy, which is really disappointing and I guess why normally they don’t announce an actor before there’s a contract. I mean, I’m not a professional, but I thought that was odd.”
“Andrew was part of the original cast of the musical production in London and we understand that he will not continue on to Broadway,” production said in a statement. “We will announce casting news shortly.”
Borle In
With Andrew Rannells out, there was a sudden lack of someone who starred as a gay guy in the Falsettos revival in this musical. Luckily, Christian Borle is there to fill in any homosexual hole in any Broadway musical around. Borle will be playing Jim Bakker on Broadway. “Christian is one of Broadway’s most exciting leading men and I am beyond thrilled that he will be joining the company of Tammy Faye,” John said in a statement. “I know Christian will perfectly capture both the humor and the darkness written into the role and I, along with the rest of the creative team, cannot wait to see him and Katie bring this unforgettable couple to life this fall.” If anyone wants to send over the contracts offered to both men, we’d much appreciate it.
