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"Tammy Faye" at the Palace

 "Tammy Faye" is an overstuffed show with strong performances; beneath the miscalculations, there is a simple story trying to be heard.


This is the story of Tammy Faye herself. She comes from nothing--almost literally nothing, because she eventually confesses that it's a source of wonder for her just to have access to a warm bath. She meets a puppeteer, Jim, who wants to help to bring "Church" into American living rooms (through the television). But Jim's gifts are limited--and Tammy Faye's are not. It is soon clear that TF has a "Princess Di" aura; she can empathize, and she quickly becomes something like the voice of her generation.

When Jim turns out to be a cad (and worse), Tammy Faye enters her "solo" phase. (She is 39.) She is crafty about her decisions; no one will call her Mrs. Bakker, and no one will dissuade her from wearing excessive mascara. Like Di, Tammy Faye makes waves with her outreach to "the gays" (specifically, to people living with HIV). But she herself is felled by cancer. When her (oddly incompetent) doctor remarks on her courage, the moment makes sense; this is a tough human being.

Where the show stumbles is in its Jerry Falwell/Ronald Reagan subplot. Despite the contributions of Michael Cerveris, the Falwell story just isn't as gripping as Elton John imagines it is. Also, despite the typically wonderful presence of Christian Borle, it's not really clear who Jim Baker is. The show seems to soft-peddle an "affair" from Baker's life, but cursory research suggests that the encounter may have been a case of sexual assault. If Elton John decided this wasn't assault, might he not still *mention* the specific allegations (mention these in the show)? The omission is bizarre. Rape is a long way from a cut-and-dry extramarital affair.

The script briefly alludes to Tammy Faye's growing family--but we never see the children, and we never (never) get a clue with regard to the impact parenthood has on TF's life. This kind of choice always makes me skeptical. Parenthood is not a footnote in anyone's story. It changes everything. I'd much rather see a depiction of this portion of TF's life--than see a lengthy dance number featuring Jerry Falwell.

But the lead is terrific. I think the Tony Awards may feature a showdown between Katie Brayben and Audra McDonald. That's a testament to Brayben's abilities.

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