Elton John's Tammy Faye Musical to Close Early

Elton John's Broadway musical 'Tammy Faye' will close on December 8, just five days after its opening on November 14, having grossed only $374,371 and filled 63% of its seats. The $25 million production, based on televangelist Tammy Faye Bakker's life, received poor reviews, with critics labeling it a 'disaster of biblical proportions' and 'strangely bland'. Despite a successful run in London's Almeida Theatre, the show failed to resonate with New York audiences, with reports indicating it only sold around 300 tickets a night in a 1,700-seat venue. This production follows a biopic featuring Jessica Chastain and has sparked significant media attention, although it is set to incur substantial financial losses. The show features music by John, lyrics by Jake Shears, and a book by James Graham, with Katie Brayben reprising her role as the title character from the London production. The swift closure marks a notable failure in Broadway's competitive landscape, reminiscent of other quick cancellations.