Librettist Richard Thomas discusses his controversial new modern opera ANNA NICOLE, based on the popular model and Reality Show star, as well as his buzz-worthy opera adaptation of Jerry Springer in an expansive new interview with OUT's Jerry Portwood.
Thomas ascribes some of the recent success of Best Musical Tony Award-winner THE BOOK OF MORMON to predecessor Jerry Springer, which won raves when presented in the West End and caused a firestorm of controversy when aired on TV in the UK, never reaching Broadway - though rumors indicate a new production may be in the ether eyeing some season soon.
Thomas says of plans for the piece, "Jerry paved the way for Mormon, and now Mormon is returning the compliment and it may have paved the way for Jerry again to have its moment on Broadway."
As for offending religious audience members with either Jerry Springer or the new ANNA NICOLE, Thomas opines, "There's no Christianity in Anna Nicole, by the way. We got into a bit of trouble with that in England with Jerry Springer: the Opera. We never saw it coming."
Additionally, Thomas adds of the impact of Jerry Springer at the time of its millennial premiere, "You can't underestimate what a shock it was seeing The Jerry Springer show in England. I couldn't believe my eyes and ears."
Check out the full original article on the matter here.
So, would you like to see Jerry Springer back onstage - and perhaps finally on the Great White Way?
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