| Tammy Faye | |
|---|---|
 Original London production poster | |
| Music | Elton John |
| Lyrics | Jake Shears |
| Book | James Graham |
| Basis | The life of Tammy Faye Messner |
| Premiere | 13 October 2022: Almeida Theatre, London |
| Productions | 2022 London 2024 Broadway |
Tammy Faye is a biographic stage musical with music by Elton John, lyrics by Jake Shears and a book by James Graham, based on the life of Tammy Faye Messner. [1]
Tammy Faye had its world premiere production at the Almeida Theatre in London, previewing from 13 October 2022 (with an official press night on 26 October) running until 2 December. The production was due to close on the 3 December, however due to illness in the cast the final performances were cancelled. [2] The production is directed by the Almeida's artistic director Rupert Goold with choreography by Lynne Page, design by Bunny Christie, costume design by Katrina Lindsay and lighting design by Neil Austin.
The cast included Katie Brayben as Tammy Faye and Andrew Rannells as Jim Bakker. [3]
In November 2023, it was announced that the show will transfer to Broadway during the 2024–25 season. [4] The show is expected to begin previews on October 19, 2024, with an opening night planned for November 14 at the Palace Theatre. Katie Brayben is expected to reprise her role with full casting to be announced at a later date. [5] On the red carpet at the 2024 Tony Awards, Andrew Rannells revealed that he would no longer be going to Broadway with the show due to failed contract negotiations. [6] On June 26, it was announced Christian Borle would be taking over the role of Bakker. [7]
| Character | London | Broadway |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2024 | |
| Tammy Faye Messner | Katie Brayben | |
| Jim Bakker | Andrew Rannells | Christian Borle |
| Jerry Falwell | Zubin Varla | TBA |
| Oral Roberts / Reggie / Steve Pieters / Charles Shepherd | Ashley Campbell | TBA |
| Billy Graham / Larry Flint / Pontius Pilate / Judge | Peter Caulfield | TBA |
| Paul Crouch / Ally the Alligator / Colonel Sanders | Richard Dempsey | TBA |
| Ted Turner / Pat Robertson / The Pope | Nicholas Rowe | TBA |
| Jimmy Swaggart / Archbishop of Canterbury / Reagan | Steve John Shepherd | TBA |
| Jan Crouch / Susie Moppet / Lori Beth | Amy Booth-Steel | TBA |
| Jesus | Colin Burnicle | TBA |
| FBI / Letter Writer | Danny Collins | TBA |
| John Fletcher | Martin Sarreal | TBA |
| Production Manager / Florida Woman / Choir Member | Georgia Louise | TBA |
| Nurse / Receptionist / Announcer / Jessica Hahn | Gemma Sutton | TBA |
|
|
The musical received positive reviews from audiences and critics including four star reviews from The Guardian , [8] Time Out , [9] The Independent , [10] Financial Times , [11] WhatsOnStage , [12] and The Sunday Times . [13]
| Year | Award | Category | Nominee | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Laurence Olivier Awards [14] [15] | Best New Musical | Nominated | |
| Best Actress in a Musical | Katie Brayben | Won | ||
| Best Actor in a Musical | Andrew Rannells | Nominated | ||
| Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical | Zubin Varla | Won | ||
Tamara Faye Messner was an American evangelist. She co-founded the televangelist program The PTL Club with her husband Jim Bakker in 1974. They had hosted their own puppet-show series for local programming in the early 1960s; Messner also had a career as a recording artist. In 1978, she and Bakker built Heritage USA, a Christian theme park.
The Almeida Theatre, opened in 1980, is a 325-seat producing house with an international reputation, which takes its name from the street on which it is located, off Upper Street, in the London Borough of Islington. The theatre produces a diverse range of drama. Successful plays are often transferred to West End theatres.
Jason Sellards, known professionally by the stage name Jake Shears, is an American musician. He is best known as the co-lead vocalist of New York City pop-rock band Scissor Sisters, who achieved considerable chart success in the 2000s before their indefinite hiatus in 2012. Since 2017, Shears has pursued a solo career; he released his debut solo studio album, Jake Shears, in August 2018 and his second album Last Man Dancing on June 2, 2023. In addition to his solo career, Shears has collaborated with several artists and made his Broadway debut in Kinky Boots in 2018.
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