NEW YORK — During his 1970s American tour, Elton John became captivated by a distinctive television personality: glamorously made-up televangelist Tammy Faye Bakker. Known for her exuberance and emotional authenticity, Bakker resonated with John, who was also making a bold statement with his flamboyant outfits and shimmering accessories. John recalls, “She fascinated the hell out of me. I love people who come back from the dead, more or less. She faced downfall but triumphed due to her kindness and unyielding faith. Her journey is remarkable, almost Shakespearean.”
In homage to this unique figure, John has transformed her life story into a musical titled “Tammy Faye,” which premieres on Broadway this month. The production portrays her as “a gladiator on her own terms,” according to John. “She rose from utter poverty to reach fame and wealth, only to lose it all in a male-dominated world,” shares book writer James Graham. “Her experience resonates universally.”
Tammy Faye and her husband Jim Bakker gained fame as the dynamic hosts of “Praise the Lord Club” from 1974 to 1987, where they preached the prosperity gospel—the idea that God wishes affluence upon his followers. However, their prominent career was marred by a scandal involving Jim Bakker’s allegations of sexual assault and financial misconduct. Following their divorce in 1992, Tammy Faye married Roe Messner, who later faced bankruptcy fraud charges in 1996.
The musical has been revised after its initial run in London in 2022, with adjustments made to its song selection. Notably, Tammy Faye’s second husband supports this project, and her son Jay Bakker has participated in rehearsal sessions. The creative team behind the musical comprises mostly British talents including John, Graham, director Rupert Goold, and lyricist Jake Shears from Scissor Sisters, who emphasized the importance of respectfully narrating the life of this American icon.
John notes, “Most of the music carries a sense of joy, reflecting the Southern roots and gospel influences associated with her.” He identifies deeply with the jubilation of her character, describing himself as a “born-again Southern person” who naturally gravitated toward writing uplifting songs. The audience will witness Katie Brayben, a two-time Olivier Award-winner, reprise her role as Tammy Faye, accompanied by male characters who represent figures like Ronald Reagan and Jimmy Swaggart.
“There was a time when people overlooked her, thinking of her as just the whimsical woman with striking hair and makeup. Yet, here she is, still being celebrated on Broadway,” remarks Graham, acknowledging her enduring legacy. The musical arrives at a moment when society is reevaluating narratives surrounding women who have faced adversity, akin to stories of figures like Sinéad O’Connor and Monica Lewinsky. Nevertheless, the portrayal of Tammy Faye is nuanced, as it calls attention to her complicity in the wealth amassed by her ministry.
Graham articulates, “We honor her values, quirks, and humor, but we cannot ignore the controversies she faced, holding her accountable for her choices.” This project is not the first to delve into the biography of Tammy Faye Messner, who passed away in 2007 at 65. RuPaul narrated a documentary titled “The Eyes of Tammy Faye,” which later inspired a Hollywood film featuring Jessica Chastain’s Oscar-winning performance alongside Andrew Garfield.
Elton John’s previous Broadway successes include hits like “The Lion King” and “Billy Elliot: The Musical,” and he identifies thematic connections between “Billy Elliot,” characterized by its critical view of conservatives, and “Tammy Faye.” Both musicals explore culture wars while challenging traditional gender norms.
Graham aspires for the production to resonate with younger audiences unfamiliar with Tammy Faye’s televised gospel performances. “Long before the era of reality television and cancel culture, she and her family were pioneers of reality TV,” he states. He believes the musical celebrates individuality and encourages embracing one’s eccentricities without remorse.
The Act 1 finale features Brayben’s Tammy Faye expressing her tumultuous emotions in the soulful ballad “Empty Hands.” As she sings to her husband, she grapples with themes of forgiveness while acknowledging her struggles. Rooted in her empathetic nature, Tammy Faye was known for transcending the rigid beliefs of her faith, showing compassion toward the marginalized, including Steve Pieters, a gay minister battling AIDS.
Graham encapsulates her legacy: “What Tammy Faye represented 30 or 40 years ago was a willingness to bridge divides. Her beliefs did not contradict her desire for connection.” As society faces new challenges, he hopes audiences can learn from her embodiment of kindness and decency, especially in an election year when unity is particularly vital. “We’re all human, and it’s crucial to remember that these divisions are often manipulated for political gain.”