The highly anticipated Broadway musical “Tammy Faye,” based on the life of televangelist Tammy Faye Bakker, is set to premiere at the Palace Theatre this fall. However, fans of the show will notice a significant change in the cast lineup. Andrew Rannells, who was initially announced to reprise his role as Jim Bakker from the West End production, will not be joining the Broadway cast.
Rannells, known for his performances in “Falsettos” and “The Book of Mormon,” confirmed his departure from the production during an interview on the red carpet at the 2024 Tony Awards. “I’m actually not doing Tammy Faye anymore,” Rannells told CBS News. “I’m very sad to say.” The actor cited contract disagreements as the reason for his exit. “We got into a situation where we couldn’t find terms that made everyone happy, which is really disappointing,” he explained.
The production team also released a statement acknowledging Rannells’ departure. “Andrew was part of the original cast of the musical production in London, and we understand that he will not continue on to Broadway,” the statement read. “We will announce casting news shortly.”
Despite Rannells’ exit, the show will still feature Katie Brayben, who will reprise her Olivier Award-winning role as Tammy Faye Bakker. Brayben’s performance in the West End production was highly acclaimed, and she will be making her Broadway debut with this role. The rest of the cast has yet to be announced.
“Tammy Faye” features music by Elton John, lyrics by Jake Shears of the Scissor Sisters, and a book by James Graham, known for “Finding Neverland.” The musical, which previously played in London’s West End, will begin previews on October 19, with the official opening night set for November 14. Rupert Goold is slated to direct the production.
Set in the 1970s, “Tammy Faye” tells the story of Tammy Faye Bakker, the charismatic wife of pastor Jim Bakker, who became a beloved figure through her televangelism. The musical explores her rise to fame and the challenges she faced, including jealous rivals and personal struggles. The official website describes the show as “the story of a traveling preacher’s wife who beamed into homes with a message of hope and stole the country’s heart.”
Rannells’ departure is a significant change for the production, as he was a key part of the original cast in London. His performance earned him his first Olivier nomination, and his absence will undoubtedly be felt by fans who were looking forward to seeing him on Broadway. However, the show must go on, and the production team is working to find a suitable replacement.
Before his exit from “Tammy Faye,” Rannells had a successful career on Broadway, with roles in “Hamilton,” “Hairspray,” and “Gutenberg! The Musical,” which was recently nominated for Best Revival of a Musical at the Tony Awards. He has also made a name for himself in television, starring in Showtime’s “Black Monday” and lending his voice to Netflix’s “Big Mouth” and Amazon’s “Invincible.”
Elton John, who composed the music for “Tammy Faye,” is no stranger to the world of musical theatre. However, his recent venture, “The Devil Wears Prada” musical in Chicago, received mixed reviews. “Tammy Faye” marks his return to the stage, and fans are eager to see how this new production will be received.
The musical’s storyline delves into the complexities of Tammy Faye’s life, including her relationship with Jim Bakker and the rise and fall of their PTL Network. The show aims to capture the essence of Tammy Faye’s unique personality and the impact she had on American culture. However, some critics have noted that the musical’s portrayal of her life may lack depth and fail to fully explore her significance.
As the production team prepares for the Broadway debut, they face the challenge of finding a new actor to fill the role of Jim Bakker. The casting decision will be crucial in maintaining the show’s momentum and ensuring its success on Broadway.
Despite the setback of losing Rannells, “Tammy Faye” remains one of the most anticipated musicals of the season. With its star-studded creative team and the return of Katie Brayben, the show promises to be a captivating portrayal of one of the most intriguing figures in televangelism history. Fans will have to wait and see who will step into the role of Jim Bakker and how the production will fare without Rannells’ star power.
