Tammy Faye musical makes its Houston debut

A musical about Tammy Faye? Topical. Penned by former Chronicle giant Fernando Dovalina and making its Houston premiere tonight? Even better.

The Gospel According to Tammy Faye is a two-act musical based on the life of iconic televangelist Tammy Faye Bakker Messner. Dovalina, who spent thirty-two years at the Chron, along with co-writer and former UH classmate JT Buck was granted a long interview with Messner in 2005 in which they discussed her childhood and her spiritual redemption, which became the subjects of their project. The play also deals heavily with her relationship with the gay community. While you might expect a show with such a silly title to be satirical, Dovalina and Buck actually crafted a humorous musical that deals with the negative aspects of Tammy Faye and her life while sending an overall positive message.

The musical made its world premiere in Cincinatti last year and has also been performed in Oregon, both times to great acclaim. The show's music "ranges from gospel to disco to 70s pop to tango to soft country rock." Houstonist has a tip that "Judas Kiss Tango," which features Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson dancing together, is especially fun.

The Houston run of the show is presented by Bering & Friends, an organization that provides compassionate healthcare and social services to people living with HIV/AIDS. Rock on.

The Gospel According to Tammy Faye
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When: Tonight & Saturday @ 8pm, Sunday @ 4pm
Where: The Alley Theatre
Tix: $25. Buy online here (Saturday already sold out).