Just a few days ago, he was on the red carpet at the premiere of his new Broadway show, where he showed off his new polished look.
But now Elton John’s pockets are looking even slimmer as his play was canceled just a week into production following a struggle to sell tickets.
Tammy Faye’s musical announced last night that it will close its curtains on December 8 after playing just 24 previews and 29 performances.
The show, based on the lives of televangelists Tammy Faye and Jim Bakker, struggled to sell tickets at the Palace Theater despite a long-awaited transfer from London.
Now insiders have told The Mail that the show was always ‘at risk of not working’ after reviews ‘killed it’.
A source close to the production said: ‘It was always going to be difficult, even the writers were worried that the storyline wouldn’t translate for the audience.
‘The 1,700 capacity venue only sold 300 tickets per evening. This isn’t exactly great for Elton.
Elton John’s play was canceled just a week after production after a battle to sell tickets. In the photo: Elton John during the opening night of the new Elton John musical Tammy Faye
Tammy Faye’s musical announced last night that it will close its curtains on December 8 after playing just 24 previews and 29 performances
Katie Brayben – who plays Tammy Faye – and Elton John during the opening night curtain call for the new Elton John musical
“The reviews from the first night weren’t exactly positive, they thought they would be canceled before the end of the year.”
The show, which cost almost £20 million to produce, opened on November 14 and was the lowest-grossing show on Broadway last week.
The crowd was reportedly consistently 37 percent empty.
Elton John, 77, wrote the music for the show, while Scissor Sisters’ Jake Shears wrote the lyrics.
Tammy Faye is also produced by Rocket Stage, John’s production company.
Fans called the decision “brutal” and said theatergoers walked out halfway through the performance.
“While running to the toilet just before the break, I passed a woman sprinting past the usher at the main entrance,” one person said.
The show, based on the lives of televangelists Tammy Faye and Jim Bakker, struggled to sell tickets at the Palace Theater despite a long-awaited transfer from London
A source close to the production said: ‘It was always going to be difficult, even the writers were worried that the storyline wouldn’t translate for the audience
‘The messenger shouted after her: ‘Madam, you are going towards the exit’ and she replied loudly: ‘I KNOW’.
Also after the break a number of empty seats, including the couple directly in front of us.’
Another wrote: ‘This is cruel! Nowadays new theater hardly stands a chance.’
Last week, Elton John presented his new, slimmed-down look on opening night after revealing he had quit sugar.
He wore a bright pink suit that shone as he posed alongside husband David Furnish, 62, before later taking to the stage after the performance where he was greeted with wild applause.