Sir Elton John‘s musical has announced it is closing, just days after it opened on Broadway.
Sir Elton John’s musical will close next month
‘Tammy Faye’ – which was created by the ‘Tiny Dancer’ singer, James Graham, and Scissor Sisters frontman Jake Shears – officially opened at New York’s Palace Theater on 14 November but the curtain will come down on the production for good on 8 December following 24 preview and 29 regular performances.
The announcement was made amid poor box office performances for the Rupert Goold-directed production, with it bringing in a gross of $374, 371 in the week ending 17 November, with an overall attendance of 5,732 – just 63% of the venue’s capacity. It has also been criticised by US critics, with the New York Times branding it “strangely bland” and Variety dubbing the show a “misguided West End import”.
The closure news came just a day after Jake, who wrote the lyrics for the musical, reflected on the “ride” of bringing the production to life.
He wrote on Instagram: “What a ride these last 12 years (and 12 weeks) have been. Getting Tammy Faye up on Broadway has been one of the most thrilling experiences of my life. What a joy working with this entire cast, their stamina and talent staggering…and beautiful to watch.
“Thank you to all the collaborators, cast and crew.. I’m immensely proud of our work.
“I believe that musical theatre is one of the most archaic forms of art: complicated and managerially elaborate. It’s the same process as it was 800 years ago. There are no shortcuts. And that’s what I love about it the most. Also having fun with brilliant, wonderful people.
“Thank you Team Tammy, and thank you to all my fam and friends that have supported me and encouraged me through the entire process.
“And especially…thank you Tammy.”
In 2022, the show – which tells the story of the eponymous TV evangelist – sold out London’s Almeida theatre, winning rave reviews and awards nominations.