Katie Brayben stars as the late televangelist in PEOPLE’s debut look at the stage production, which begins performances at New York City’s Palace Theatre on Oct. 19
Tammy Faye, Elton John and Jake Shears‘ musical about the life of the late American evangelist Tammy Faye Messner, is days away from its Broadway debut — and PEOPLE has a first listen at one of its score’s divine new songs.
Actress Katie Brayben steps into Messner’s mascara for the stage production, taking audiences to church in the act one closer “Empty Hands.” The inspiring and powerful ballad comes as Messner, through prayer, processes her feelings around husband Jim Bakker’s marital betrayal.
“Help me God, forgive the man / with tender mercy, open hands / I want to believe it, this woman I say I am,” she sings. “Here I am, help me understand / turn my fist to open hands / I want to believe in this woman I say I am.”
“Show me mercy, open your hand,” Brayben belts.