Christian Borle will star in the musical on , replacing the previously announced . Borle, a two-time Tony Award winner for playing Shakespeare in and Black Stache in , will take over the role of Jim Bakker, fellow televangelist and husband to Tammy Faye, who will be played by Katie Brayben. Rannells originated the role of Bakker, opposite Brayben, in London and to transfer to Broadway with the production, but said on the Tony Awards red carpet that be involved in the musical due to a contract dispute.
The production features music by Elton John and is set to play the renovated Palace starting Oct. 19, with an opening night on Nov. 14.
“Christian is one of Broadway’s most exciting leading men and I am beyond thrilled that he will be joining the company of Tammy Faye,” Elton John said. “I know Christian will perfectly capture both the humor and the darkness written into the role and I, along with the rest of the creative team, cannot wait to see him and Katie bring this unforgettable couple to life this fall.” Borle’s most recent Broadway role was as Joe/Josephine in on Broadway.
He has also appeared in in which he starred opposite Rannells, and more. He just finished a run as Albert Peterson in the Kennedy Center’s production of and also starred as Orin Scrivello in Off-Broadway at the Westside Theater. features lyrics by Scissor Sisters’ Jake Shears, and a book by James Graham, the playwright of , centered on Rupert Murdoch.
Rupert Goold, who helmed and direct.
