| Tammy Faye | |
|---|---|
 Original London production poster | |
| Music | Elton John |
| Lyrics | Jake Shears |
| Book | James Graham |
| Basis | The life ofTammy Faye Messner |
| Premiere | 13 October 2022 (2022-10-13):Almeida Theatre,London |
| Productions | 2022London 2024Broadway |
Tammy Faye is a biographic stagemusical with music byElton John, lyrics byJake Shears and a book byJames Graham, based on the life ofTammy Faye Messner.[1]
Tammy Faye had its world premiere production at theAlmeida Theatre inLondon, previewing from October 13, 2022 (with an official press night on October 26) running until December 2. The production was due to close on December 3, however due to illness in the cast the final performances were cancelled.[2] The production was directed by the Almeida's artistic directorRupert Goold with choreography by Lynne Page, design byBunny Christie, costume design by Katrina Lindsay and lighting design byNeil Austin and produced by Joseph Smith
The cast includedKatie Brayben asTammy Faye Bakker andAndrew Rannells asJim Bakker.[3]
In November 2023, it was announced that the show would transfer toBroadway during the 2024–25 season.[4] On the red carpet at the2024 Tony Awards,Andrew Rannells revealed that he would no longer be going to Broadway with the show, due to failed contract negotiations.[5] On June 26, it was announcedChristian Borle would be taking over the role of Jim Bakker.[6] One month later,Michael Cerveris joined the cast asJerry Falwell.[7]
The show began previews on 19 October 2024, with an opening night on 14 November at the newly renovatedPalace Theatre.[8]Katie Brayben reprised her role.[9] On November 19, it was announced that the show would close on December 8, after receiving negative reviews and poor ticket sales, losing $25 million throughout its run.[10][11] The show played 24 preview performances and 29 regular performances.[10][12]
| Character | London | Broadway |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2024 | |
| Tammy Faye Messner | Katie Brayben | |
| Jim Bakker | Andrew Rannells | Christian Borle |
| Jerry Falwell | Zubin Varla | Michael Cerveris |
| Oral Roberts / Reggie / Steve Pieters / Charles Shepherd | Ashley Campbell | Charl Brown |
| Billy Graham /Larry Flint /Pontius Pilate / Judge | Peter Caulfield | Mark Evans |
| Paul Crouch / Ally the Alligator /Colonel Sanders | Richard Dempsey | Nick Bailey |
| Ted Turner /Pat Robertson /The Pope | Nicholas Rowe | Andy Taylor |
| Jimmy Swaggart /Archbishop of Canterbury /Ronald Reagan | Steve John Shepherd | Ian Lassiter |
| Jan Crouch / Susie Moppet / Lori Beth | Amy Booth-Steel | Allison Guinn |
| John Fletcher | Martin Sarreal | Raymond J. Lee |
| Nurse / Receptionist / Announcer /Jessica Hahn | Gemma Sutton | Alana Pollard |
|
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The Almeida Theatre production received positive reviews from audiences and critics including four star reviews fromThe Guardian,[13]Time Out,[14]The Independent,[15]Financial Times,[16]WhatsOnStage,[17] andThe Sunday Times.[18]
In its review of the Broadway production,The New York Times called the show "disjointed, strangely bland."[19]Variety's Frank Rizzo said the Broadway production lacked "any sense of confidence, consistency or purpose. It’s as messy as Tammy’s mascara."[20]
| Year | Award | Category | Nominee | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Evening Standard Awards | Best Musical | Nominated | |
| 2023 | Laurence Olivier Awards[21][22] | 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 | ||
