A highly anticipated musical centered around the life of televangelist Tammy Faye Bakker is set to make its Broadway debut in the 2024-2025 season. The musical, simply titled “Tammy Faye,” will feature music by renowned artist Elton John, with lyrics by Jake Shears of Scissor Sisters, and a book by James Graham, known for his work on “Ink.”
Directed by Rupert Goold, the musical had its world premiere at London’s Almeida Theatre in fall 2022, with Katie Brayben in the lead role as Tammy Faye and Andrew Rannells portraying her husband and television co-host, Jim Bakker. The Broadway run is already generating significant excitement, but details regarding casting and specific dates have yet to be announced. However, the production has confirmed that it will be staged in a Nederlander theater.
This production adds to Elton John’s impressive portfolio of stage compositions, which include works such as “The Lion King,” “Aida,” “Billy Elliot the Musical,” “Lestat,” and “The Devil Wears Prada.” The Broadway run of “Tammy Faye” is being produced by John’s production company, Rocket Stage, Greene Light Stage, and James L. Nederlander.
The musical will feature choreography by Lynne Page, orchestrations by Tom Deering and Mark Dickman, as well as music supervision, arrangements, and additional music by Tom Deering. The creative team also includes scenic design by Bunny Christie, costume design by Katrina Lindsay, lighting design by Neil Austin, sound design by Bobby Aitken, and video design by Finn Ross.
“Tammy Faye” is the latest project to delve into the life of Tammy Faye Bakker, following the release of the 2021 film “The Eyes of Tammy Faye,” starring Jessica Chastain and Andrew Garfield. The continued interest in Tammy Faye’s story underscores the enduring fascination with her life and legacy.
The musical promises to offer audiences a compelling and dynamic portrayal of Tammy Faye’s life, complete with Elton John’s signature musical style and a talented creative team bringing her story to the stage. With its unique blend of music, storytelling, and powerful performances, “Tammy Faye” is poised to be a standout production in the upcoming Broadway season.
As anticipation builds for the show, theater enthusiasts and fans of Tammy Faye alike eagerly await the announcement of casting details and the official opening date. The production’s move to Broadway is a testament to the enduring impact of Tammy Faye’s story and her influence on popular culture. “Tammy Faye” is positioned to resonate with audiences and spark conversations about faith, resilience, and the complexities of the human experience.