Jerry Springer: the Opera [IMPORT] [SOUNDTRACK]

Richard Thomas (Composer)

Product Details

• Audio CD (January 6, 2004)
• Original Release Date: 2004
• Number of Discs: 2
• Format: Import, Soundtrack
• Label: Sony
• ASIN: B0000TSRII
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #129,280 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
The Jerry Springer phenomenon hits the West End as the biggest smash hit musical for years transfers from the National Theatre in an explosive, filthy, funny and brilliantly original show that has had critics and punters alike falling over themselves to praise this ultimate pairing of high and low art. This double album was recorded live during the show's sell-out run at the National, capturing every outrageous minute of the show they have called ''the biggest thrill for decades''. Sony. 2003.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A truly ground-breaking musical score, March 9, 2005

By	Steven Valenti "svclue" (Cleveland, OH) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

It's not often that a musical comes around with a score that's as fresh and exciting as the one for "Jerry Springer: the Opera." Composer Richard Thomas and Lyricist Stewart Lee have written an ingenious piece of musical theater that absolutely commands your attention with its daring. The music is fantastic, combining operatic and musical theater sensibilities into something that feels at once classical and totally contemporary. The lyrics are hilariously profane and over-the-top (how could they not be?), and push the boundaries of good taste. For a genre not really known for being edgy, this is a most welcome change of pace ("Urinetown" and "Avenue Q," good as they are, don't even come close to the audacity on display here). There's definitely a share of juvenile humor, but there's certainly nothing juvenile about the creators' achievement. In their depiction of a typical "Jerry" show, followed by the host's entanglement in a struggle between heaven and hell, they've created a twisty combination of parody and satire that is brilliantly executed. This is truly a ground-breaking piece of musical theater, and it's well-preserved in this 2 disc set by an excellent cast.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Unusual Find, August 11, 2005

By	Michael Juba "Musical Enthusiast" (Catonsville) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I came across this CD when a friend let me borrow it for a weekend to give a try. My first reaction was "Dear Lord, what in God's creation is this?"

However, after listening a second, a third, and fourth time I realized what it was: an amazing work of music. The music is rich, complex, and at times shocking, as the harmonies and ranges are astonishing. I was completely blown away from what I was hearing. The show had a style like something I had never heard.

Now, I must say, a live recording is never the same as a studio recording and as a result some of the words are lost and impossible to decipher.
The languge is over the top and the show is quite possibly the most offensive thing ever written, but that's part of the style to the show. I'm sure seeing the Olivier Award Winning (It beat the Lion King people) would make a huge difference.

This is not a cd for everyone, only the musical theatre fanatics will appreciate something of this magnitude. To those of you who own more musical CDs than shirts, this is your kind of show

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I have never laughed harder!, December 29, 2004

By	Emily Greene "mttherapist" - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This opera is not only witty, entertaining, and wildly irreverant...it is HILARIOUS! I only wish I could see it again in person! This opera was the highlight of my London trip and I just ordered the CD to relive it all again. I highly recommend this to anyone who has a sense of humor!