Oscar E Moore

I have never been a fan of Sunday.  Especially a Sunday when I am scheduled to review at 3pm a new musical – TAMMY FAYE – that has gotten less than stellar reviews and some bad word of mouth at the renovated and reopened fabulous Palace Theatre.

And much to my astonishment I enjoyed the much-troubled journey of Tammy Faye (a captivating Katie Brayben) and her husband Jim Bakker (Christian Borle) in the new musical written by Elton John (music) Jake Shears (lyrics) and James Graham (book).

An original musical satire of the rise and fall of televangelist Tammy Faye and her husband Jim Bakker.  A wild combination of a true story somehow reminiscent of two earlier musicals:  HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING (1961) and PSYCHO (1991).

Strange but true.  Here, a sophisticated/satirical look at religion, AIDS and the people who made it all infamous as seen through the eyes and soul of Tammy Faye Bakker.

With Billy Graham (Mark Evans), Jerry Falwell (Michael Cerveris), Jessica Hahn (Alana Pollard) and Pope John Paul II (Andy Taylor) Ronald Reagan (Ian Lassiter) and a host of others in supporting but important guest appearances.

Outrageous, sad and tuneful.  Music supplied by Elton John.  Apt lyrics by Jake Shears with an excellent book by James Graham. I liked what they had to say and how they said it. Tough at times but always truthful, on target and entertaining.

The score suits the material to a T as does the exciting choreography – Lynne Page.   The scenic design by Bunny Christie is eye-popping in its rendition of a Hollywood Squares like atmosphere.  With terrific video work by Finn Ross.  Lighting designer Neil Austin has created a wonderful ever-changing atmosphere.  With costumes by Katrina Lindsay.

All is expertly directed by Rupert Goold.  Couldn’t be better.  The only one who surpasses it all is Katie Brayben as Tammy Faye.

What an excellent portrayal of this troubled and driven crusader.  I believed every second of her life on stage.  With a powerhouse voice to match.  Quite an outstanding achievement.  I felt for her.  Felt her pain.  Her wants.  Her betrayal.  Her kindness.  Her faith.  Her love.  Her perseverance.

Please do not listen to the naysayers.

See TAMMY FAYE for yourself.  You will not be disappointed.

www.tammyfayebway.com

2 hrs 35 minutes One Intermission  PALACE THEATRE 160 West 47^th Street

PHOTOS Bruce Glikas

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