Two-time Tony Award winner Michael Cerveris will take on the role of Reverend Jerry Falwell in the upcoming Broadway transfer of “Tammy Faye.” The previously announced musical, directed by Rupert Goold, will begin previews on Oct. 19 and open on Nov. 14 at the Palace Theatre. Cerveris will appear alongside the previously announced Christian Borle as Jim Bakker and Katie Breyban as Tammy Faye, the latter reprising her Olivier Award-winning performance in the titular role.
“Tammy Faye” marks Cerveris’ first Main Stem appearance since he took home the lead actor in a musical Tony Award for 2015’s “Fun Home.” Portraying Falwell continues Cerveris’ trend of dramatizing historical figures onstage, having garnered additional Tony nominations for playing Juan Perón in the 2012 revival of “Evita” and Kurt Weill in 2007’s “Lovemusik,” and winning a Tony for his featured turn as John Wilkes Booth in the 2004 revival of “Assassins.” He made his Broadway debut playing the titular role in 1993’s “The Who’s Tommy,” which also earned him a Tony nod.
“As an audience member, I’ve always admired Michael’s performances, and I am thrilled to welcome him into the ‘Tammy Faye’ family,” Goold said in a statement. “I know his Jerry Falwell will be the perfect foil for Katie and Christian’s Tammy Faye and Jim. I can’t wait to get into the rehearsal room to work with Michael and the full company to bring this wonderful new musical to Broadway audiences this fall.”
The 1970s-set “Tammy Faye” features music by Elton John, lyrics by Jake Shears and additional music by Tom Deering. James Graham’s book for the musical dramatizes the rise of television evangelists Tammy Faye and Jim Bakker. Tammy just wants to put the fun back in faith, but must answer to growing pressure to push religion into schools and the law.
Newly named to the production’s creative team is sound designer Nick Lidster for Autograph, who replaces the previously announced Bobby Aitken.
Additional casting, by C12 Casting/Carrie Gardner and Jillian Cimini, will be announced.
“Tammy Faye” is being produced by Rocket Stage, Greene Light Stage and James L. Nederlander.
