Broadway enthusiasts rejoice as the eagerly awaited musical Tammy Faye, featuring music by the iconic Elton John, unveils the casting of the acclaimed Christian Borle. The two-time Tony Award recipient will grace the stage alongside Katie Brayben, who will reprise her Olivier Award-winning performance as the titular character.
Borle, renowned for his captivating presence in Something Rotten and Peter and the Starcatcher, will embody one of the lead roles opposite Brayben. In a statement, John expressed his delight in having the actor, whom he lauded as one of Broadway's most exciting leading men, join the cast. The composer lauded Borle's ability to authentically capture the emotions entwined with the character of Jim Bakker.
The musical centers around the lives of renowned televangelists Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker, with John's enchanting melodies providing the backdrop. Previews are scheduled to commence on October 19th at the recently renovated Palace Theater, marking one of the first productions to grace its stage.
The announcement of Borle's casting follows the unexpected departure of Andrew Rannells, who was initially slated to portray Jim Bakker. Rannells' previous performance in the role earned him an Olivier Award nomination. However, during the Tony Award red carpet event, he revealed to CBS that he would no longer be associated with Tammy Faye.
Rannells attributed his departure to an inability to reach a mutually agreeable arrangement, despite his enthusiasm for the role and admiration for the production.
With Borle and Brayben at the helm, Tammy Faye promises to captivate audiences when it premieres this fall. The musical's journey began at London's Almeida Theatre in 2022, where it received four Olivier Award nominations. The Broadway production will undoubtedly add another chapter to the legacy of this captivating musical.
