It was a show that wreaked of controversy, was steeped in scandal, and was home to some of the most outlandish verbal and physical altercations that the world of television had ever seen. The Jerry Springer: The Opera Show was, and is to this day, one of the most oddly popular TV series ever aired despite all of the negative connotation that’s come with it over the years. The show only just called it quits around two years ago, putting to rest a series that began in 1991. It was an absolutely outrageous show. What could be more outrageous? An opera, made specifically about Jerry and the show.
As insane as it may sound, Jerry Springer: The Opera became an incredibly popular stage production in the UK when the curtain first went up back in 2003. The show ran onstage till about 2005 before then doing a UK tour in 2006. The opera shows the average day at work for Jerry Springer and the numerous issues he must deal with be it guests, his staff, and to keep things even weirder, running a presentation of the show in literal ‘Hell’ at the behest of the devil himself. If all of this sounds crazy that’s because it is, however to be as fair as possible, only a show like Jerry Springer’s could’ve spawned a musical quite like this. If truth be told, this production probably caused more controversy amongst the public than the television show actually did or probably even could ever have.
This version of the show was shot live at the Cambridge Theatre in London. Every line and bit of dialogue is sung, apart from Jerry Springer (who’s played by David Soul) and Steve Wilkos who speaks briefly. Stuart Lee directs this epic penned by himself and Richard Thomas, commanding a large cast mostly consisting of the chorus. What’s most fascinating about the show is how Lee and Thomas wrote it to be intentionally moronically clever. It’s actually just a comedy delivered via music. The way the chorus sings the humorous lyrics as if it’s actually a dramatic piece makes for a boisterous and again, outrageous show that will have viewers gasping for air and fans of the original show tickled to death with amusement. David Soul plays a similar Jerry Springer with a kindred energy, actually coming off as the least ‘over the top’ at many moments throughout.
There’s no question about it here though, this opera was written for fans of the TV show. Those even familiar with the show can still enjoy it, and even those who’ve never seen it will more than likely still find it funny if they enjoy comedies or farce. Of those who find themselves to be neither, it may be wise to stay away. The amount of attention this show attracted from various religious groups is a high indicator that for people who fall into a more conservative category, this isn’t the show to watch. Amazon Prime Video currently has it available on stream in select areas.
