Elton John & Jake Shears of Scissor Sisters’ Tammy Faye musical is on Broadway now

Elton John and Scissor Sisters frontman Jake Shears have collaborated on a new musical about late televangelist and PTL Club co-host Tammy Faye Bakker, which just made its Broadway debut. Tammy Faye features music by Elton, lyrics by Jake, a book by James Graham, and it was directed by Rupert Goold; it stars Katie Brayben as Tammy Faye, Christian Borle as her husband Jim Bakker, and Michael Cerveris as evangelist Jerry Falwell. Having premiered in 2022 on London’s West End, Broadway previews began at The Palace Theater last week, and the musical had its official opening night on Thursday. Tickets are on sale.

Here’s the official synopsis: “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.”

“This show has been 12 years in the making so finally getting it to the stage, it’s so exciting to be back at the Palace where I had the success with Aida,” said Elton in a video for Playbill. “I think it’s so important, especially in America…there’s so much hate and violence, and we all seem to be so far apart, Tammy was an example of inclusivity. She forgave people, she embraced people, she had no bias, racism. She welcomed everybody.”

Thursday night’s Broadway premiere attendees included Rufus Wainwright, Rosanne Cash, record producer Andrew Watt, Tammy Faye’s son Jay Bakker, Anderson Cooper, and Michael Stipe, who wrote on Instagram, “The show is spectacular with themes that are are pitch perfect for our current times and a standing ovation for the cast and crew. It’s a tour de force!!!” See Michael’s Instagram below.

Jake will be busy next year with a Scissor Sisters reunion.