Elton John’s ‘Tammy Faye’ Musical: Unraveling Its Swift Broadway Departure

Elton John's 'Tammy Faye' Musical: Unraveling Its Swift Broadway Departure

Elton John’s Broadway musical “Tammy Faye” about televangelist Tammy Faye Messner is set to close after a surprisingly short run, despite its star-studded creative team and previous success in Britain.

At a Glance

  • Elton John’s “Tammy Faye” musical is based on the life of televangelist Tammy Faye Messner
  • The show won an Olivier Award in Britain but struggled on Broadway
  • It will close on December 8 after only 29 full performances
  • The production was capitalized at $22 million
  • Last week, it was the lowest-grossing show on Broadway with 37% empty seats

From British Success to Broadway Struggle

Elton John’s latest musical venture, “Tammy Faye,” which delves into the life of televangelist Tammy Faye Messner, is facing an unexpected early curtain call on Broadway. The production, which had a successful run in Britain in 2022, has struggled to find its footing with American audiences since its November 14 opening.


Despite the star power behind the production, including Elton John’s music and lyrics, the show has failed to attract sufficient crowds. The musical’s brief stint on Broadway raises questions about the appeal of its subject matter and the challenges of translating British theatrical success to the American stage.

A Brief but Costly Run

The financial implications of “Tammy Faye’s” short run are significant. With a capitalization of $22 million, the musical will have played only 24 previews and 29 full performances before closing on December 8. This brief engagement is a far cry from the typical longevity expected of Broadway productions, especially those with such substantial investments.

Last week, “Tammy Faye” held the unfortunate distinction of being the lowest-grossing show on Broadway, with 37% of theater seats remaining empty. This lackluster performance suggests that the production failed to resonate with the Broadway audience, despite its previous accolades across the Atlantic.

The Legacy of Tammy Faye Messner

Tammy Faye Messner, the subject of the musical, was a well-known figure in the world of televangelism. As the wife of televangelist Jim Bakker, she played a significant role in the landscape of religious broadcasting. Messner passed away in 2007 at the age of 65, leaving behind a complex legacy that has since been explored in various media formats.


The musical’s attempt to capture Messner’s vibrant personality and the controversies surrounding her life may have been a challenging task for Broadway audiences. The short run of the production raises questions about how effectively the show portrayed the nuances of Messner’s story and the broader world of televangelism.

Reflections on Broadway’s Changing Landscape

The early closure of “Tammy Faye” may reflect broader trends in Broadway theater. As audiences’ tastes evolve and competition for entertainment dollars intensifies, even productions with significant star power and previous success can struggle to find their footing. This situation underscores the unpredictable nature of the theater industry and the challenges faced by new productions in capturing and maintaining audience interest.

As “Tammy Faye” prepares to take its final bow, it leaves behind questions about the viability of certain subject matters on Broadway and the difficulties of translating success from one theatrical market to another. The show’s brief run may prompt reflection within the industry about the types of stories that resonate with contemporary Broadway audiences and the factors that contribute to a production’s success or failure in the competitive New York theater scene.

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