Bohemian Nights
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Jerry Springer–The Opera sets trash talk to a quasi-operatic score (“poop your pants” is a typical lyric) and finds grand melodrama in Springer’s orchestrated sleaze. The production, which debuted at London’s National Theatre in April 2003, opens on a TV set, then moves to purgatory and hell, where a parade of program guests, including a diapered tenor and a cheating lover, reappear as religious figures like Jesus (who’s “a bit gay”) and God himself. After its run at the National the show moved to the West End, racked up a string of awards, and then toured Britain, protesters in tow. It was a blazing, notorious success, but funding for the American production, which was to open in 2005, fell through shortly after it was announced.
The London show had a cast of 33 and an eight-piece orchestra; Bailiwick will stage the smaller touring version, with a cast of 25 and a six-piece band. Auditions will begin after Thanksgiving. The budget of at least $80,000 (equally split between production and promotion) is the biggest in Bailiwick’s 25-year history. The short time frame will rule out support from most foundations; Zak’s looking for a range of individual and corporate sponsors. A small business can get its name on the program and a pair of tickets for as little as $100, while a $25,000 gift could buy marquee space. Tickets are $25 to $40 and discounted advance passes are already on sale: two for $50, five for $100. The official closing is July 8, but Zak hopes it will extend into the fall season. “I don’t think it’s Wicked,” he says, “but I heard that Eric and Kathy were talking about it on the Mix this morning.” He expects opera fans and talk-show fans alike will be elbow to elbow for this Jerry Springer moment.
