The Broadway musical Tammy Faye, centered on the life of televangelist and singer Tammy Faye Bakker, is closing its curtains earlier than anticipated. Despite its highly anticipated debut and a star-studded creative team, the show is set to end its run on December 8, just weeks after opening on November 14.
A Short-Lived Broadway Journey
The $22 million production, featuring music by Elton John and lyrics by Jake Shears of Scissor Sisters, alongside a book by James Graham, struggled to find footing in New York despite a well-received premiere in London in 2022. Broadway audiences did not embrace the show, with the New York Times reporting dismal box office results.
Playing at the expansive Palace Theater, the musical faced challenges including poor reviews and lackluster ticket sales, with houses reportedly 37% empty during its final week. The production marks one of Broadway's lowest-grossing performances in recent history.
Critical Reception and Audience Response
While the London debut garnered decent reviews, New York critics were less kind. The New York Times described the musical as a "bland, tonal mishmash" and a "disjointed" retelling of Tammy Faye's life. Despite these critiques, some prominent figures offered praise. Former R.E.M. frontman Michael Stipe attended opening night and shared on Instagram that the show was a “tour de force” and a “beautifully moving and soulful telling of the Tammy Faye Bakker story.”
Fans of Tammy Faye Bakker, known for her vibrant personality, bold makeup, and controversial life as a televangelist, may have been disappointed that the musical failed to capture her larger-than-life story in a way that resonated with broader audiences.
Reflections from the Creative Team
Amidst the show's struggles, the cast and crew received heartfelt tributes from its creators. Jake Shears posted on Instagram, expressing gratitude and pride:
“What a ride these last 12 years (and 12 weeks) have been. Getting Tammy Faye up on Broadway has been one of the most thrilling experiences of my life… I’m immensely proud of our work. I believe that musical theatre is one of the most archaic forms of art: complicated and managerially elaborate.”
Elton John, who has contributed music to Broadway hits like The Lion King and Billy Elliot: the Musical, also praised the team’s efforts, calling it an “honour to collaborate with you all.”
Elton John's Broadway Legacy
While Tammy Faye faced a rocky Broadway journey, Elton John is no stranger to success on the Great White Way. His past contributions include:
- The Lion King (1997): A modern Broadway staple.
- Billy Elliot: The Musical (2005): Won Tony and Grammy Awards.
- Aida (2000): Acclaimed for its compelling music.
- The Devil Wears Prada (2022): A more recent addition.
- Lestat (2006): A brief run similar to Tammy Faye, closing after 33 previews and 39 performances.
Conclusion
The closure of Tammy Faye after just 24 previews and 29 performances underscores the challenges of bringing new and experimental works to Broadway, even with celebrated creatives behind them. While its run was short, the musical adds to the ongoing dialogue about the evolution of musical theater and the enduring appeal of iconic figures like Tammy Faye Bakker.
Despite its difficulties, Tammy Faye remains a testament to the risks and rewards of tackling ambitious and unconventional stories on Broadway.
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