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Jerry Springer: The OperaJerry Springer set to hit more low (operatic) notes

Cape Times Posted on Monday, April 28th, 2003

London: Jerry Springer – the TV show – has long been a staple of daytime television. While others tackle such weighty issues as the state of the health system, Springer referees an unending army of guests from some weird American hinterland in programmes titled Pregnant by a Transsexual or I Refuse to Wear Clothes.

Now, this highly addictive televisual experience has been turned into an operatic one. As Richard Thomas, co-creator and composer points out: “It’s got tragedy. It’s got violence. There are people screaming at each other and you can’t understand what they’re saying. It’s perfect for opera.”

Jerry Springer has been chosen by Nicholas Hytner to be the first production of his opening season, and theatregoers will be treated to Jerry Springer’s (Michael Brandon) trailer-trash “guests” singing operatic confessionals before battering each other.

One of the main challenges faced by those involved in the production, directed by comedian Stewart Lee, has been getting opera singers comfortable with fighting each other in the mega-confrontations that have come to be the norm on the show.

This was why fight co-ordinator Terry King, who has worked with Kenneth Branagh and Ralph Fiennes, was drafted at the last minute: “It was decided there needed to be more of an element of physical confrontation,” he says.

“I was given a brief by the director, and then it was easy to concoct whatever kind of violence needed to happen.”

As on the original, the same themes – from betrayal to rage – re-occur time and again, and the outcome is always the same: a fundamental difference of opinion. King has laughed like a drain throughout: “I find the show hugely amusing. It shocks. It has dubious taste, but throughout it is beautifully sung; the music is stirring; if you don’t listen to the words, you almost have a different experience.” – The Independent

Cape Times on 28th April 2003. Filed Under: Jerry Springer: The Opera, Reviews
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