Q/A: Patricia Phillips & Lawrence Clayton of 'Jerry Springer' Get Down & Dirty

BroadwayWorld brings an exclusive "Down and Dirty" Q/A series with the cast of Jerry Springer The Opera in Concert... What's it like for these Broadway belters to perform the hilarious lyrics of such a potty-mouth and acclaimed production? What are these scandalous stars looking forward to?

Joining Harvey Keitel as "Jerry Springer" are Max von Essen as "Tremont," a transsexual involved in a love quadrangle, and Tony Award Nominee Emily Skinner as "Andrea," whose diaper-loving husband is having an affair with Baby Jane. Plus Linda Balgord as "Zandra, Irene & Mary," Lawrence Clayton as "Montel & Jesus," Luke Grooms as "Dwight & God," Sean Jennes as "Chucky," Sam Kitchin as "Steve," Patricia Phillips as "Peaches" and Laura Shoop as "Baby Jane."

Jerry Springer The Opera is inspired by America's most lurid TV talk show host who brought worldwide television audiences episodes including "Pregnant by a Transsexual," "Here Come the Hookers" and "I Refuse to Wear Clothes." The show opened in London to unprecedented rave reviews.

The smash hit London musical Jerry Springer The Opera will play Carnegie Hall (881 7th Avenue) for two nights only on January 29 and 30, 2008.

PATRICIA PHILLIPS (Peaches)

TV's "The Jerry Springer Show" hit the airwaves in 1991 and recently celebrated its 3,000th episode.  Over the years, it has established a cult following.  What, in your opinion, attracts people in droves to the talk show?

I think the general public loves seeing people that are exactly like them which makes them feel better about their own weirdness.  AND I think other people watch to see people that are WAY weirder than they perceive themselves to be which makes them feel "normal" AND makes them feel superior to the "freaks" they see on Jerry.

Do you watch "The Jerry Springer Show?"  Do you have a favorite topic or episode?

I only tune in until someone gets accosted then I have to change the channel.

What excites you most about being a part of the cast of Jerry Springer The Opera in Concert at Carnegie Hall?

I am most excited about singing this incredible music and being part of the pop-culture phenom!!  The music is just thrilling!

If you were to guest on "The Jerry Springer Show," what would the topic be?

"Half black / half white opera singer married to a Jew.  Circumcision or no?"

LAWRENCE CLAYTON (Montel / Jesus)

TV's "The Jerry Springer Show" hit the airwaves in 1991 and recently celebrated its 3,000th episode.  Over the years, it has established a cult following.  What, in your opinion, attracts people in droves to the talk show?

I used to watch because I knew sooner or later I'd see someone I knew.  And I did.  And it was SO scandalous!

Do you watch "The Jerry Springer Show?"  Do you have a favorite topic or episode?

Who hasn't seen "The Springer Show?"  The straight guys in love with drag queens was always a hoot.  I mean how could you not know if she was a man or a woman?

What excites you most about being a part of the cast of Jerry Springer The Opera in Concert at Carnegie Hall?

I love working and I love working in New York.  With the crazy subject matter, the amazing cast, Carnegie Hall and the amazing music - it's going to be a fun night of singing.

If you were to guest on "The Jerry Springer Show," what would the topic be?

I could never be on "The Jerry Springer Show!"  I'm much too private about my personal life.

Tickets for Jerry Springer The Opera – In Concert are $175.00 - $59.00 and are available now through CarnegieCharge at (212) 247-7800 or www.carnegiehall.org or by visiting the Carnegie Hall box office (57th Street & 7th Avenue).  Performances are Tuesday, January 29, 2008 at 8PM and Wednesday, January 30, 2008 at 8PM