Elton John Dishes on Tammy Faye’s Broadway Flop: “Too Political for America
Let us delve into a theatrical tragedy that is as perplexing as it is disheartening—Elton John’s musical “Tammy Faye,” which seemingly crashed and burned on Broadway, much like a poorly constructed soufflé. The legendary singer-songwriter recently revealed his take on the show’s swift demise, pointing fingers at America’s political climate. Speaking with The Sunday Times, he argued that the musical was “too political for America,” which is, frankly, a bit like saying water is wet. “Tammy Faye” tells the story of the infamous televangelist, a figure who lived a life full of contradictions and dramatic flair, much like the show’s reception.
John contrasted its reception in the States with the success of “The Devil Wears Prada” in London, remarking on the curious phenomenon of American audiences’ aversion to irony. He noted, “Tammy Faye came out during the U.S. election, and it’s all about how the integration of church and state ruined America, which Ronald Reagan did.” Oh darling, if only the audience had the capacity to recognize that this was not merely a musical but a metaphorical mirror reflecting the absurdities of their own societal norms.
The production, which boasted a star-studded lineup and John’s musical genius, struggled to capture the hearts of New Yorkers, closing its doors on December 8 after a mere few weeks at the Palace Theatre. Despite earning four Olivier Award nominations during its West End run in 2022, the Broadway debut fell flat, marred by mixed reviews and a lack of audience engagement. It’s a tragic irony that a show about the intersection of faith and politics couldn’t find its footing in the very land that birthed such complexities.
John, who was captivated by Faye’s tumultuous journey, expressed his fascination with her ability to rise from the ashes of scandal, noting that he jumped at the chance to create the musical because of her compelling narrative. Unfortunately, it appears that while the Brits may appreciate a good dose of irony, Americans are still grappling with the idea that politics and entertainment can waltz together.
So, what’s the takeaway here? Perhaps the lesson lies in understanding that theater, like life, is often a reflection of the world around us—a world that sometimes seems more interested in the glitz and glam than in the gritty truths. Class dismissed. Try not to let this newfound wisdom go to waste.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and The Sunday Times, The Hollywood Reporter
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
