In some curious casting news, Andrew Rannells is out of the Broadway musical Tammy Faye.  He originated the role of Jim Bakker in London’s West End, and was announced for the US transfer.  He broke the news on the red carpet at the Tony Awards.  “I’m actually not doing Tammy Faye anymore, I’m very sad to say.  I was very excited.  I’m a huge fan of the show and unfortunately, we got into a situation where we couldn’t quite find terms that made everyone happy, which is really disappointing.  Which is why normally they don’t announce an actor before the contract.”  Ouch!  Adding insult to injury, he’s been replaced with his Falsettos co-star, Christian Borle!  On the positive side, Rannells gets to sleep with Tuc Watkins anytime he wants – and from what I hear, that is no small consolation.  If nothing else, it’s gotta ease the pain – or perhaps replace it with a more pleasurable one.

Sometimes people get cast in musicals away from the Broadway stage, and it makes big news.  Such was the case when the Ogunquit Playhouse announced a single cast member for their upcoming production of Stephen Sondheim’s A Little Night Music – Kathleen Turner!  The Broadway vet is taking on the role of Madame Armfeldt, previously played by such actors as Hermione Gingold, Angela Lansbury, and Elaine Stritch.  The production runs July 18 though August 17, so I’d recommend being fleet of foot to OgunquitPlayhouse.org.