Christian Borle to star in 'Tammy Faye' on Broadway

The Tony Award-winning actor, last seen on Broadway in Some Like It Hot, will replace Andrew Rannells in the new musical about Tammy Faye and Jim Bakker.

Rejoice! Christian Borle will join the cast of the new musical Tammy Faye on Broadway this fall, which begins performances on October 19 ahead of a November 14 opening at the Palace Theatre.

Borle, a Broadway veteran, is best known for his Tony Award-winning performances as Shakespeare in Something Rotten! and Black Stache in Peter and the Starcatcher. He earned three additional nominations for playing Emmett in Legally Blonde, Marvin in Falsettos, and Joe/Josephine in Some Like It Hot, his most recent Broadway show that ran from 2022-23.

Now, he will join Tammy Faye as televangelist Jim Bakker, replacing the previously announced Andrew Rannells. Rannells, alongside Katie Brayben in the title role of fellow televangelist Tammy Faye Bakker, starred in the musical's critically acclaimed 2022 world premiere in London.

Brayben will reprise her role on Broadway as previously announced. Additional casting for Tammy Faye on Broadway will be named soon.

“Christian is one of Broadway’s most exciting leading men and I am beyond thrilled that he will be joining the company of Tammy Faye,” said composer Elton John in a statement. “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.”

Tammy Faye follows the infamous couple as their progressive approach to "putting the fun in faith" puts them at odds with more traditional groups. The show features a book by James Graham and music by John and Scissor Sisters' Jake Shears.

As previously announced, the creative team includes choreographer Lynne Page; orchestrators Tom Deering and Mark Dickman; scenic designer Bunny Christie, costume designer Katrina Lindsay; lighting designer Neil Austin; sound designer Bobby Aitken; and video designer Finn Ross. Music supervision, arrangements, and additional music are by Deering.

London Theatre's critic calls Tammy Faye "a heavenly pleasure" and "gloriously, ecstatically camp" in a four-star review.

Check back for information on Tammy Faye tickets on New York Theatre Guide.

Photo credit: Christian Borle. (Photo courtesy of production)