Tammy Faye
The disgraced 1980s televangelist Tammy Faye Bakker—long beloved by gay men for her outrageous makeup, extravagant emotionality and tolerant attitudes—is the subject of this new musical, with a book by the English political-theater specialist James Graham (Ink) and original songs by Elton John and Scissor Sisters frontman Jake Shears. Katie Brayben, who originated the title role in the show's well-received London premiere (and won a 2003 Olivier Award for her troubles), reprises the part on Broadway, once again under Rupert Goold's direction but now flanked by a new pair of men: Christian Borle as her husband, Jim Bakker, and Michael Cerveris as their rival and nemesis, Jerry Falwell.