Two-time Tony winner Christian Borle will play Jim Bakker in the Broadway production of Elton John's musical 'Tammy Faye.' Andrew Rannells, who announced his exit from the show on Tony night, is replaced by Borle.
Borle will star opposite two-time Olivier Award winner Katie Brayben, who will reprise her Olivier Award-winning performance as Tammy Faye Bakker.
'Tammy Faye' is a musical composed by the renowned singer Elton John, with lyrics written by Jake Shears of the 'Scissor Sisters,' choreography by Lynne Page, direction by Robert Goold, and a book by James Graham, winner of the Olivier Award.
The creative team also includes Bunny Christie (sets), Katrina Lindsay (costumes), Neil Austin (lighting), Nick Lidster for Autograph (sound), Finn Ross (video), and Tom Deering (orchestrations/arrangements/additional music).
The production is about the story of a traveling preacher's wife who won the people's hearts with a message of hope.
Composer John said that Borle is one of Broadway's most exciting leading men, and he was thrilled that he will be joining the company of 'Tammy Faye.'
"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," he added.
Borle has received Tony Awards for his roles in 'Peter and the Starcatcher' and 'Something Rotten.' He was also nominated for an Academy Award for his roles in 'Some Like It Hot and Legally Blonde' (with Rannells). He recently starred in 'Bye Bye Birdie,' a Kennedy Center production.
In 2022, 'Tammy Faye' debuted at London's Almeida Theatre and received four Olivier Award nominations.
Performances will begin at Broadway's Palace Theatre on Saturday, Oct. 19, with an official opening set for Thursday, Nov. 14.
