Tammy Faye made its Broadway debut yesterday at the Palace Theatre. The production chronicles the rise of Christian television hosts Tammy Faye and her husband Jim Bakker as they build a televangelist empire, blending worship, puppetry, and songs with frequent donation requests. Despite its ambitious mix, early reviews suggest that the show's message is muddled and fails to connect with audiences.

Read on to discover what critics have to say about Broadway's newest offering.

The Reviews

The New York Times

"But narratively and emotionally, "Tammy Faye" is always on shaky ground because it can't decide if it's a satire of televangelism and power-hungry faith salesmen, the tale of the rise of politicized religion, or the earnest feminist journey of an independent-minded woman. By trying to hit so many notes, none of them resonate."

Variety

"The new Broadway musical "Tammy Faye" touches on all of these points of view but lands on none with any sense of confidence, consistency, or purpose. It's as messy as Tammy's mascara."

The Wrap

"Because so much of "Tammy Faye" takes place on the set of "The PTL Club," the thought can't be avoided, "Why didn't I just stay home and watch something on Hulu instead?"

Deadline

"With a plot as thin as the paper of a Bible page, Tammy Fayes only hope for salvation would have been some kooky singing and dancing, and yet the show falls short here too."

New York Stage Review

"A surprisingly flat-liner musical involving tunes from Elton John scarcely composing in top form and a sorrowful cartoony story about American TV evangelist Tammy Faye Bakker, the production that opened Thursday at the Palace Theatre does not promise to become a longtime Broadway attraction."

New York Theatre

"Tammy Faye" struck me as essentially hollow, without a clear reason for existing. The score sounds largely generic; the sets look deliberately chintzy; the book mistakes crudeness for cleverness."

New York Sun

"Yet the musical is called "Tammy Faye," after all, and it's ultimately up to Ms. Brayben to carry it. She does so gamely, belting out the anthemic power ballads Mr. John has created for the part and infusing several country-flavored numbers he has provided with the necessary twang."

Vulture

"Who, especially in the middle of November 2024 in New York, is the fan base here?..."Aren't Americans nutty?" might sell on the West End. Right here, right now, it's tough to swallow."