 |  |
When it comes to creating new musicals Elton John seems determined to match the prolific output of fellow Brit Andrew Lloyd-Webber (who’s written 21 ). He has 4 to date so he has a long way to go but he seems determined to catch up as he has TWO new ones about to be launched.
Strutting into London’s Dominion Theatre this October is the premiere of his new musical based on the blockbuster film and bestselling novel, THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA. Starring Tony Award nominee Vanessa Williams with direction & choreography by 3-time Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell it already seems like it has all the makings of a hit .
If you don’t know the story (you should lose you ‘gay card’ ! ) its about fresh out of college, aspiring journalist Andy who scores a job at the prestigious Runway magazine working for fashion’s most powerful and terrifying icon — editor-in-chief Miranda Priestly. Sacrificing her personal life to meet Miranda’s impossible demands, Andy finds herself seduced by the glamorous world she once despised. How far will she go to succeed… and will it be worth selling her soul to get what she’s always wanted
Opening on Broadway during this month is TAMMY FAYE a new musical that John wrote with Jake Shears. Its based on the real story from the 1970s about Tammy Faye-Bakker the charismatic wife of pastor Jim Bakker. Together, they build a nationwide congregation that puts the fun back into faith with their TV shows. Even as Tammy dazzles on screen, jealous rivals plot behind the scenes, threatened by her determination to lead with love.
She was also an iconic figure with a large gay following especially after The Eyes of Tammy Faye documentary in 2000 from Fenton Bailey & Randy Barbato. This was filmed twelve years after the dramatic collapse of their Christian empire of the Bakkers and for the first time what really happened when they lost control of the first and most successful TV ministry of its kind. Then in 2021 this was adapted into an feature film with the same name by Hollywood for which Jessica Chasten won an Academy Award for her portrayal of Tammy.
Broadway will have the London production with the same Brit actress Katie Brayben who won her second Olivier Award for her portrayal of Tammy. The production directed by Olivier Award winner Rupert Goold, will also star two-time Tony Award winner Christian Borle (Jim Bakker), and two-time Tony Award winner Michael Cerveris (Jerry Falwell).
Labels: 2024, Elton John, London West End, musicals, Tammy Faye, The Devil Wears Prada, Vanessa Williams
