Elon John and Tammy Faye Messner.Photo: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images; Donaldson Collection/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
The story ofTammy Faye Messneris headed to the stage.
Elton Johnis bringing his considerable musical talents to bear on a theatre adaptation of the life of the televangelist and her first husband, Jim Bakker.
Tammy Fayeis set to premiere in October at the Almeida Theatre in London and will star Katie Brayben as Tammy, Tony-Award nomineeAndrew Rannellsas Jim and Zubin Varla as fellow televangelist Jerry Falwell.
According to a press release from the theatre, the story is “a testament of faith, resilience and the temptations of success.”
In addition to the Rocketman, 75, the creative team includes Scissor Sisters' frontman Jake Shears and playwright James Graham.
The show will run through the beginning of December, according to the release. It also follows on the heels of Elton’s latest foray into the world of theatre withThe Devil Wears Prada, The Musical,whichopened on Aug. 8 in Chicago.
Jessica Chastain and Andrew Garfield inThe Eyes of Tammy Faye.Searchlight Pictures / Courtesy Everett Collection
The new musical is not the first time Tammy Faye’s story has been brought back into the spotlight. In 2021,Jessica ChastainandAndrew Garfieldstarred inThe Eyes of Tammy Faye, with Chastain, 45, winningBest Actress at the 94th Oscarsfor her portrayal of the famed televangelist who died at age 65 in 2007 after colon cancer spread to her lungs.
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Jim was convicted in 1989 of defrauding supporters of his PTL ministry of more than $150 million, including a $265,000 payment to church secretary Hahn to keep quiet about their affair — Tammy was never indicted.
After their divorce, Tammy married construction magnate Roe Messner, who had helped build the ministry’s Christian theme park and resort Heritage USA in South Carolina.
Chastaintold PEOPLEthat she did almost 10 years of research for the role, including reading up about and watching multiple interviews of Tammy.
Tammy Fayewill run from Oct. 13 - Dec. 3at the Almeida Theatre in London.
source: people.com
