Jerry Springer the Opera at The New Group
Jerry Springer the Opera at The New Group
raddersons
Broadway Legend Joined: 11/14/13
#1Jerry Springer the Opera at The New Group
Posted: 11/20/17 at 3:19pm
Jerry Springer: the Opera at The New Group is starting an Audience Rewards pre-sale today. In 2004, this was the "it" show in London (winning the Olivier for Best Musical -- yes, really), but it had trouble transferring because it's so obscene... and never made it to Broadway. Rumors were that because there was no song appropriate enough to perform at the Tony Awards, investors didn't want to risk their money with nothing to show. There were also tons of protests from religious groups in the UK because of the content of the show. I've listened to a live recording a bit and it really is a totally absurd and wacko riot... I can't wait for this one. Especially being in a smaller space, it should really feel like you're more of a studio-audience than seeing something extravagant.
Anyone see the original London production?
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/31/69
#2Jerry Springer the Opera at The New Group
Posted: 11/20/17 at 3:48pm
I saw the concert version at Carnegie Hall and really enjoyed it! David Badella was wonderful as was HArvey Keitel. I do wish the fabulous Alison Jiear could have done it here as Shawntel singing "I Just Want to Dance." Can't remember who did it here...
#3Jerry Springer the Opera at The New Group
Posted: 11/20/17 at 3:57pm
I really like the score and think the show manages to come around to say some interesting things.
But at the same time, I think it's getting its New York production a decade too late. Shows like Jerry Springer are no longer part of the pop cultural landscape, and what was shocking in 2002 is simply blasé in 2017.
(Though it's absurd the show was seen as "too controversial" to bring to New York, of all places)
"...everyone finally shut up, and the audience could enjoy the beginning of the Anatevka Pogram in peace."
Updated On: 11/20/17 at 03:57 PM
#4Jerry Springer the Opera at The New Group
Posted: 11/20/17 at 4:02pm
I saw it in London and really enjoyed it. Alison Jiear was heartbreaking. That's hard to do with the song she sings but she was wonderful and she really brought tears to your eyes. The second act of the show however dragged a bit. Speakeasy Stage in Boston did the show a number of years ago and while it was the same script it didn't seem to have the roughness/edginess that the UK production had.
Updated On: 11/20/17 at 04:02 PM
MVintheheartland
Featured Actor Joined: 11/19/13
#5Jerry Springer the Opera at The New Group
Posted: 11/22/17 at 1:53pm
I saw it in London in 2004. I had taken my son and 2 friends to London for their high school graduation (better to travel with mom than get drunk and drive at friends' graduation parties). I personally loved it, although the 2nd act did lose some of the fun of the first act. Not sure how it will travel in this day and age, just because Jerry Springer isn't the shock icon he was before.
MarkBearSF
Broadway Legend Joined: 1/25/11
#6Jerry Springer the Opera at The New Group
Posted: 11/22/17 at 4:34pm
San Francisco's Ray of Light Theatre produced it in 2010. I really enjoyed it. However, even with a more (MUCH more) expensive staging, it didn't feel like a "broadway" show.
tomwsjr
Featured Actor Joined: 5/9/05
#7Jerry Springer the Opera at The New Group
Posted: 11/22/17 at 4:51pmI saw the original production in London years ago, my friends and I all hated it. Just plain boring and stupid was the general consensus amongst us.
ARTc3
Broadway Star Joined: 8/5/13
#8Jerry Springer the Opera at The New Group
Posted: 11/22/17 at 5:31pm
^ agreed!
What a piece of unprofessional garbage. It was mostly a bore with very few funny moments. And, even those few moments were juvenile. There was no insight or thoughtful reason for spending the time watching this piece of junk. How it was received as anything other than a waste of time, energy and resources is beyond me.
ARTc3 formerly ARTc. Actually been a poster since 2004. My name isn't Art. Drop the "3" and say the signature and you'll understand.
Updated On: 11/22/17 at 05:31 PM
Emmaloucbway
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/16/11
#9Jerry Springer the Opera at The New Group
Posted: 12/15/17 at 1:41pm
Starring Terrence Mann and Will Swenson!!
I am interested to see this now...
https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Terrence-Mann-and-Will-Swenson-to-Headline-JERRY-SPRINGER-THE-OPERA-Off-Broadway-20171215
raddersons
Broadway Legend Joined: 11/14/13
#10Jerry Springer the Opera at The New Group
Posted: 12/15/17 at 3:09pm
Wow this is sounding awesome.
Anyone know if The New Group does any sort of 30 Under 30 or offer discount tickets eventually? I might have to just bite the cost on this one otherwise...
#11Jerry Springer the Opera at The New Group
Posted: 12/15/17 at 4:12pm
Rumors were that because there was no song appropriate enough to perform at the Tony Awards, investors didn't want to risk their money with nothing to show.
Never heard that rumor before. Sounds like total BS. There are numbers that could be performed at the Tonys (My Jerry Springer Moment is the most obvious). There might be some quick-edit censoring a bit here or there, but it could and probably would be done. The reason it didn't go to Broadway is the fact that the second act alone would probably deem the show unprofitable. I would never expect a commercial Broadway production to bring in enough open-minded audiences to even come close to recouping.
Personally, I think the show is genius. The composition and arrangements are incredibly intricate and complex. I think too many people get hung up on the obscenity without giving any thought as to the purpose and intent of the piece, which is accurate and insightful in its satire and allegory. In the last 14 years, we may have shifted our reality TV idolatry to the likes of unqualified celebrity trash like Real Housewives or Kardashians, but the core idea remains the same and the bastardization of Christianity is still thriving. And with the rise of Christian bigotry and anti-intellectualism, in politics, religion and television (Duck Dynasty is STILL a thing), the message of the show remains relevant.
"What can you expect from a bunch of seitan worshippers?" - Reginald Tresilian
#12Jerry Springer the Opera at The New Group
Posted: 12/15/17 at 5:16pm
MarkBearSF said: "San Francisco's Ray of Light Theatre produced it in 2010. I really enjoyed it. However, even with a more (MUCH more) expensive staging, it didn't feel like a "broadway" show."
It's not coming to Broadway?
#13Jerry Springer the Opera at The New Group
Posted: 12/15/17 at 5:39pm
Will Swenson has been taking some interesting roles lately. From Rudetsky's DISASTER to Earl in Waitress and now this. Unrelated, but I keep forgetting he's Audra McDonald's husband!
http://puccinischronicles.wordpress.com
#14Jerry Springer the Opera at The New Group
Posted: 1/4/18 at 12:39pm
Anyone know of any discount? I know they have a 35 and under subscription where you can see Jerry Springer and another one of their shows for $75 total, but I really just want to see Jerry Springer.
raddersons
Broadway Legend Joined: 11/14/13
#15Jerry Springer the Opera at The New Group
Posted: 1/4/18 at 12:50pm
Mister Matt said: "I think too many people get hung up on the obscenity without giving any thought as to the purpose and intent of the piece, which is accurate and insightful in its satire and allegory. In the last 14 years, we may have shifted our reality TV idolatry to the likes of unqualified celebrity trash like Real Housewives or Kardashians, but the core idea remains the same and the bastardization of Christianity is still thriving. And with the rise of Christian bigotry and anti-intellectualism, in politics, religion and television (Duck Dynasty is STILLa thing), the message of the show remains relevant."
Agreed 100%. A friend of mine saw the Carnegie concert a few years back. His biggest criticism: Why is this being done in such an extravagant manner at Carnegie Hall? It's operatic, but it's still as big trash as the Jerry Springer show. It seems he missed the point entirely, considering that is the point.
#16Jerry Springer the Opera at The New Group
Posted: 1/4/18 at 4:31pm
Love seeing Jill Paice’s name. https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Full-Cast-and-Creative-Announced-for-JERRY-SPRINGER-THE-OPERA-20180104
In our millions, in our billions, we are most powerful when we stand together. TW4C unwaveringly joins the worldwide masses, for we know our liberation is inseparably bound.
Signed,
Theater Workers for a Ceasefire
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#17Jerry Springer the Opera at The New Group
Posted: 1/4/18 at 5:57pm
Definitely going to have to try and see this.
A Chorus Line revival played its final Broadway performance on August 17, 2008. The tour played its final performance on August 21, 2011. A new non-equity tour started in October 2012 played its final performance on March 23, 2013. Another non-equity tour launched on January 20, 2018. The tour ended its US run in Kansas City and then toured throughout Japan August & September 2018.
ukjulie21
Swing Joined: 5/7/17
#18Jerry Springer the Opera at The New Group
Posted: 1/4/18 at 8:39pm
Call_me_jorge said: "Love seeing Jill Paice’s name. https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Full-Cast-and-Creative-Announced-for-JERRY-SPRINGER-THE-OPERA-20180104"
YES! Jill is the best. I've known her since elementary school, which is why I am cracking up about her being in this show. I hope it lives up to her amazing talent.
#19Jerry Springer the Opera at The New Group
Posted: 1/4/18 at 11:17pm
Can someone tell me why the New Group is obsessed with plays about white trash? That seems to be their niche. And they're lousy plays, too. That last thing they produced was one of the worst shows I've seen since their last play by Thomas Bradshaw (I think that's his name. I've tried to forget it.)
#20Jerry Springer the Opera at The New Group
Posted: 1/5/18 at 10:59am
I'd say their niche is less white trash than it is "LOOK HOW EDGY WE ARE"
"...everyone finally shut up, and the audience could enjoy the beginning of the Anatevka Pogram in peace."
#21Jerry Springer the Opera at The New Group
Posted: 1/23/18 at 1:14pm
First performance is tonight. Anyone going? Would love to hear some reports tonight!
RippedMan
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/14/05
#22Jerry Springer the Opera at The New Group
Posted: 1/23/18 at 2:40pmThis sounds up my alley. Any cheap seats?
raddersons
Broadway Legend Joined: 11/14/13
#23Jerry Springer the Opera at The New Group
Posted: 1/23/18 at 3:03pm
There's a TodayTix lottery for $35... and I think that's about it. Otherwise tickets are $85.
There is a 35 and under subscription package for $75 if you are under 35... you also get a ticket to Peace for Mary Frances.
HBBrock
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/11/07
#24Jerry Springer the Opera at The New Group
Posted: 1/23/18 at 4:18pm
I won the Today Tix lottery and will be at the first preview tonight.
tomwsjr
Featured Actor Joined: 5/9/05
#25Jerry Springer the Opera at The New Group
Posted: 1/23/18 at 8:05pmSaw it in London at the Cambridge theatre and absolutely hated it. It’s an interesting premise for an original musical, but it turned out to be a Stupid, pointless, boring mess of a show! Don’t waist your time and money on it.
