Rannells's anticipated portrayal of Jim Bakker was initially announced with much excitement, yet he unexpectedly withdrew from the role due to a contractual impasse. In a surprising turn of events, Broadway's Tammy Faye musical has found a new star in the form of Christian Borle, who steps in to replace the previously announced Andrew Rannells. Borle, a double Tony Award winner for his portrayals of Shakespeare in Something Rotten and Black Stache in Peter and the Starcatcher, will now embody the role of Jim Bakker, Tammy Faye's televangelist husband. Tammy Faye, meanwhile, will be brought to life by the talents of Katie Brayben.
Rannells had originated the role of Bakker opposite Brayben in London and was initially slated to reprise his performance on Broadway. However, on the red carpet of the Tony Awards, he revealed that a contractual disagreement had prevented him from continuing with the musical.
The production, boasting music by the legendary Elton John, is set to premiere at the refurbished Palace Theater on October 19th, culminating in an opening night gala on November 14th. Upon learning of Borle's casting, Elton John expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "Christian is one of Broadway's brightest stars, and I am thrilled beyond measure that he will be joining the ensemble of Tammy Faye. I know he will brilliantly capture the humor and the shadows embedded in the character, and I, along with the rest of the creative team, eagerly await the moment he and Katie breathe life into this unforgettable couple this fall."
Borle, who most recently delighted Broadway audiences in Some Like it Hot as the dynamic Joe/Josephine, has a long list of credits that includes Thoroughly Modern Millie, Legally Blonde, and Falsettos, where he shared the stage with Rannells. He has also starred in the Kennedy Center's Bye Bye Birdie as Albert Peterson and graced the Off-Broadway stage in Little Shop of Horrors at the Westside Theater, portraying Orin Scrivello.
Tammy Faye, with lyrics penned by Scissor Sisters' Jake Shears and a script by the acclaimed playwright James Graham, who also wrote Ink centered on Rupert Murdoch, is directed by Rupert Goold, who has helmed both Ink and King Charles III.
