Elton John Blames Political Themes for 'Tammy Faye' Broadway Flop

Elton John attributes the failure of his Broadway musical 'Tammy Faye' to its political themes, suggesting that American audiences found it 'too political' during the recent U.S. election. In an interview, he compared the show unfavorably to his successful musical 'The Devil Wears Prada,' noting that 'Tammy Faye' critiques the integration of church and state, a concept he believes Americans struggle to engage with. The production, which opened at the Palace Theatre on November 14, 2024, closed shortly thereafter, running only 29 regular shows. Critics echoed John's sentiments, describing the musical as lacking depth and not effectively exploring its characters' complexities. Despite its short-lived run on Broadway, the show received acclaim in London, winning two Olivier Awards. John, meanwhile, has recently expressed a reluctance to tour again due to health issues affecting his eyesight and has been reflecting on his career choices.