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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 Theater (160 W 47th Street).
TAMMY FAYE will begin preview performances on October 19th and will officially open on November 14th, 2024. Tickets are currently available at BroadwayDirect.com.
“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.”
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), music supervision, arrangements, and additional music by Tom Deering, choreography by Lynne Page (Ink, Standing at the Sky’s Edge), and direction by Olivier Award-winner Rupert Goold (Patriots, Dear England).
The production will feature scenic design by Bunny Christie, costume design by Katrina Lindsay, lighting design by Neil Austin, video design by Finn Ross, sound design by Nick Lidster for Autograph, wigs, hair and make-up design by Luc Verschueren for Campbell Young Associates, and orchestrations by Mark Dickman and Tom Deering. Casting is by C12 Casting/Carrie Gardner, Jillian Cimini.
Additional casting will be announced in the coming months. Mr. Borle replaces the previously announced Andrew Rannells.
CHRISTIAN BORLE (Jim Bakker) is a Grammy and two-time Tony Award-winning actor. Christian won the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical as Shakespeare in Something Rotten, and Best Featured Actor in a Play as Black Stache in Peter and the Starcatcher. Most recently on Broadway, he starred as Joe/Josephine in Some Like It Hot (Tony nom.), for which he wrote additional material and received a Grammy Award for its cast album. Additional Broadway credits: Jesus Christ Superstar, Footloose, Amour, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Spamalot, Legally Blonde (Tony nom.), Mary Poppins, Falsettos (Tony nom.), and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
He most recently starred as Albert Peterson in the Kennedy Center’s production of Bye Bye Birdie in June 2024. He also starred as Orin Scrivello, DDS et al in Little Shop of Horrors at the Westside Theater, for which he received the Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, and Lucille Lortel (or LuLo) Awards for Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical.
On TV, Christian has appeared in “Hazbin Hotel,” “Gilmore Girls,” “Evil,” “Masters of Sex,” “Elementary,” “Younger,” “Lifesaver,” NBC’s “Peter Pan Live,” and NBC’s “The Sound of Music Live.” Christian played a recurring role on “The Good Wife/Fight” and received across-the-board praise as Tom on “Smash.” Christian also appeared in Michael Mann’s feature Blackhat opposite Chris Hemsworth and Viola Davis, and The Bounty Hunter with Jennifer Aniston. Directing: Popcorn Falls (Davenport Theater), Footloose (The MUNY), and Tale as Old as Time, a tribute to Howard Ashman at 92Y’s Lyrics & Lyricists series. Playwriting: Hammered: A Thor & Loki Play (Go to marvelspotlightplays.com).
ABOUT TAMMY FAYE
The story of a traveling preacher’s wife who beamed into homes with a message of hope… and stole the country’s heart.
It's the 1970s. As satellites broadcast brand-new cable programming into American homes, millions fall in love with Tammy Faye Bakker – the charismatic wife of pastor Jim Bakker. Together, they build a nationwide congregation that puts the fun back into faith.
But, even as Tammy dazzles on screen, jealous rivals plot behind the scenes, threatened by her determination to lead with love.
Wrapped in a joyful and deliriously fun score that could only come from Elton John, TAMMY FAYE shines a sparkling light on the generous, loving, often lonely soul behind the illustrious lashes. Reprising her Olivier Award-winning West End performance, Katie Brayben will lead the cast as Tammy Faye. Two-time Tony Award-winner Christian Borle will step into the role of Jim Bakker.
TAMMY FAYE had its world premiere at London’s Almeida Theatre in Fall 2022, where it received rave reviews and was nominated for four Olivier Awards, including Best Musical.
For more information and upcoming news, please visit https://tammyfayebway.com/