That Was Fast: In a stunning development, the $25 million Broadway production of “Tammy Faye” announces its closure just five days after opening night. NyPost reports that the Elton John-composed musical will end its run on December 8, marking one of Broadway’s swiftest closures in recent history.
Financial Impact Revealed: Music-News reports that the production, which opened at the 1,700-seat Palace Theatre, will close having played only 24 previews and 29 regular performances. The early termination represents a complete loss of its $25 million capitalization.
- Complete loss of $25 million investment
- Just 29 regular performances
- 24 preview shows completed
Critical Response Varies: While the show’s London premiere at the Almeida Theatre garnered positive reviews and Olivier Awards, including Best Actress for Katie Brayben, Broadway critics proved less enthusiastic. One reviewer described the production as “amateurish with lots of dead air.”
Creative Team Assembled: The musical features music by Elton John, lyrics by Scissor Sisters‘ Jake Shears, and book by James Graham. The cast includes Olivier Award-winner Katie Brayben as Tammy Faye, alongside Tony winner Christian Borle and Michael Cerveris.
Broadway History Made: “Tammy Faye” marks Broadway’s shortest-running musical since “KPOP” in 2022, which closed after 17 performances. Even John’s critically panned 2006 musical “Lestat” managed a longer run with 33 performances.
