It was announced today that two-time Tony Award-winner Christian Borle will play Jim Bakker in the Broadway production of the acclaimed musical Tammy Faye. Borle will star opposite two-time Olivier Award-winner Katie Brayben, who will reprise her Olivier Award-winning performance as Tammy Faye Bakker. The Almeida Theatre production of Tammy Faye makes its Broadway debut this fall at the legendary, newly refurbished, Palace Theatre.
Borle replaces the previously announced Andrew Rannells. Additional casting will be announced in the coming months.
“Christian is one of Broadway’s most exciting leading men and I am beyond thrilled that he will be joining the company of TAMMY FAYE,” said composer Elton John. “I know Christian will perfectly capture both the humor and the darkness written into the role and I, along with the rest of the creative team, cannot wait to see him and Katie bring this unforgettable couple to life this fall.”
Tammy Faye will begin preview performances on October 19, 2024, and will officially open on November 14th, 2024. Tickets are currently available on Broadway Direct, the primary ticketing provider for the Palace Theatre.
A “divinely delirious glitz-bomb of a musical” (Financial Times), Tammy Faye features music by legendary songwriter Elton John, lyrics by Scissor Sisters’ Jake Shears, a book by Olivier Award-winning writer James Graham (Dear England, Ink), choreography by Lynne Page (Ink, Standing at the Sky’s Edge), and direction by Olivier Award-winner Rupert Goold (Patriots, Dear England).
It’s the 1970s, and for the very first time, satellites are bringing cable television into American homes. As families gather in their living rooms, young preacher Jim Bakker and his wife Tammy Faye hit the airwaves to build a nationwide congregation and put the fun back in faith.
But while Tammy dazzles on screen, rivals plot behind the scenes, jealous of her popularity and threatened by her determination to lead with love.