Elton John-scored musical closing in NYC after mixed reviews – ends Dec. 8.
The highly anticipated Broadway musical “Tammy Faye” based on the life of the controversial televangelist Tammy Faye Bakker is set to close after a disappointingly short run. Despite receiving positive reviews during its run in London, the show failed to resonate with audiences in New York, leading to its premature closure on December 8 after just 29 regular performances.
With a budget of up to $25 million, “Tammy Faye” was one of the most expensive Broadway productions of its time. However, the show struggled at the box office, ranking as the lowest-grossing show on Broadway and playing to houses that were 37 percent empty. The closure comes as a blow to the show’s talented creative team, including music by Elton John, lyrics by Jake Shears, book by James Graham, and direction by Rupert Goold.
Despite the high expectations, reviews for “Tammy Faye” were mostly negative, with critics describing the musical as disjointed and bland. Lead actress Katie Brayben, who won an Olivier Award for her performance in London, made her Broadway debut as Tammy Faye Bakker, while Christian Borle portrayed her husband, Jim Bakker, in a late casting change.
The production was a collaboration between Rocket Stage, Elton John’s production company, Greene Light Stage led by Sally Greene, and James L. Nederlander of the Nederlander Organization, which operates several Broadway theaters including the Palace where “Tammy Faye” was staged.
Despite the show’s premature closure, the talented cast and creative team behind “Tammy Faye” will no doubt continue to contribute to the vibrant world of Broadway theater.
Source: The NY Times
