Dates, venue and stars have been announced for the new Broadway musical “Tammy Faye.” The previously announced production, a transfer from London’s West End, will begin previews on Oct. 19 and open on Nov. 14 at the newly refurbished Palace Theatre. Leading the cast will be Katie Brayben, reprising her Olivier Award-winning turn in the title role, alongside two-time Tony Award nominee Andrew Rannells, in his Olivier-nominated performance as Jim Bakker.
Brayben, who will make her Broadway debut in “Tammy Faye,” is a two-time Olivier winner, both for her turn in “Tammy Faye” and her performance in the titular role of “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.” A veteran of the U.K. stage, Brayben’s other credits include “Girl from the North Country,” “King Charles III” and “American Psycho.” Brayben has appeared on-screen in “A Serial Killer’s Guide to Life,” “Mandrake” and “The Wheel of Time.”
Rannells was recently seen on Broadway as Doug in “Gutenberg! The Musical!” A Tony nominee for his performances in “The Book of Mormon” and “Falsettos,” Rannells’ other Broadway credits include “The Boys in the Band,” “Hamilton,” “Hedwig and the Angry Inch,” “Jersey Boys” and “Hairspray.” He has been seen on-screen in the series “Girls” and “Black Monday” as well as film adaptations of “The Boys in the Band” and “The Prom.”
Directed by Rupert Goold and featuring a book by James Graham, music by Elton John and lyrics by Jake Shears, “Tammy Faye” is set in a studio in South Carolina, where Tammy Faye and Jim Bakker revolutionized religion. Seen preaching to millions of viewers 24 hours a day, Tammy just wants to put the fun back into faith. But a new wave of ministers wants people to not just feel God in their heart, but in their homes, in their schools — and in the law, too.
Additional casting for the musical, by C12 Casting/Carrie Gardner and Jillian Cimini, will be announced.
“Tammy Faye” is the first full musical production announced to play the Palace Theatre since its closing for refurbishment in 2018. A recently announced concert engagement from Ben Platt will play the venue from May 28 through June 15.
“Tammy Faye” is being produced by Rocket Stage, Greene Light Stage and James L. Nederlander.
