Elton John’s ‘Tammy Faye’ Musical to Close on Broadway After Less Than a Week

Elton John’s Broadway musical “Tammy Faye” announces December 8 closure after just 29 performances, losing entire $25 million investment despite London success.
Al Landes Avatar

By

Our editorial process is built on human expertise, ensuring that every article is reliable and trustworthy. We provide honest, unbiased insights to help our readers make informed decisions.

Image credit: Wikimedia

Key Takeaways

  • Elton John’s $25 million Broadway musical “Tammy Faye” announces closure after just five days, marking significant financial loss
  • Production demonstrates stark contrast between London success and Broadway reception despite award-winning creative team
  • Early closure represents one of Broadway’s swiftest exits in recent history

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. 

OUR Editorial Process

Our guides, reviews, and news are driven by thorough human research. We provide honest, unbiased insights to help our readers make informed decisions. See how we write our content here →