‘Tammy Faye’ musical to play Broadway’s Palace Theatre

The new show, which features songs by Elton John and Scissor Sisters’s Jake Shears, will begin performances this fall starring Katie Brayben and Andrew Rannells.

UPDATE: Andrew Rannells will no longer star in Tammy Faye on Broadway as previously announced. The article has been updated accordingly. Christian Borle has been announced to star.

Hallelujah! Tammy Faye on Broadway, starring Katie Brayben, will officially open at the Palace Theatre this fall, with performances beginning on October 19 ahead of a November 14 opening night.

Tammy Faye dramatizes the life of Tammy Faye Bakker and Jim Bakker, larger-than-life televangelists who aim to “put the fun back into faith” for millions of daily viewers nationwide — but they clash with traditional ministers who don’t like what the Bakkers preach.

The show features music by Elton John, lyrics by Jake Shears of Scissor Sisters, a book by James Graham, and direction by Rupert Goold. Shears makes his Broadway songwriting debut with the show, while John adds to a long line of credits including The Lion King. Graham and Goold reunite after collaborating on the acclaimed Broadway play Ink in 2019.

Tammy Faye premiered in London in fall 2022, where Brayben first performed as Tammy alongside Andrew Rannells as Jim. The production earned rave reviews and four Olivier Award nominations, including for Best Musical. In fall 2023, the Broadway transfer was announced for the 2024-25 season.

London Theatre’s four-star review calls Tammy Faye "a heavenly pleasure" and "gloriously, ecstatically camp."

Additional casting for Tammy Faye on Broadway has yet to be announced. The creative team includes choreographer Lynne Page; orchestrators Tom Deering and Mark Dickman; scenic designer Bunny Christie, costume designer Katrina Lindsay; lighting designer Neil Austin; sound designer Bobby Aitken; and video designer Finn Ross. Music supervision, arrangements, and additional music are by Deering.

Check back for information on Tammy Faye tickets on New York Theatre Guide.

Photo credit: Katie Brayben and Andrew Rannells. (Photos courtesy of production)