David Soul Speaks Out On “Jerry Springer, the Opera”

Regarding his being attracted to the role of Jerry Springer: As a theatrical experience it just blew me away. It’s what theatre should be. It should be risky, in your face, it should challenge and entertain, and Jerry Springer, the Opera does all of those things. Michael Brandon did a brilliant job of bringing Jerry Springer to life, he was impeccable in terms of his body language and movements. Some of the mannerisms will be there, but I’m going to go more for the emotional journey that Jerry takes, where he goes into paradise lost and becomes a victim of his own making.

Regarding Jerry Springer, the Opera and its controversy: If they understood what the play was about, they might not have screamed so loudly. Click here to see David’s BBC interview about the play.  I think, for my money, the show is about how television is misused to exploit people without really caring about them. As long as it’s entertainment, you know, we don’t really care about what happens to these folks. … It was a brilliant show. [To watch a scene from Jerry Springer, The Opera, in our Video Gallery, please click here.]

Regarding theologian The Rev. Ian Bradley’s book, You’ve Got To Have A Dream: The Message of the Musical and the theory that musical theatre provides audiences with an experience similar to that experienced in religion: Jerry Springer — The Opera is risqué; it’s in your face, the language is x-rated, but could a musical like that also have a spiritual dimension? … If we’re really looking for something that offers a lasting sense of participation after the curtain falls, and some place that can nurture, support, and challenge us to become involved in the lives of others, then we’ll probably find that role more significantly realized in our religious faith IN ACTION — not in the musical theatre.