This is a show that is pornographic, vulgar, profane and blasphemous. And therein lies its charm. It is a thoughtful polemic against fallen media and social standards and against organized religion. It is infuriating but it is as though the infuriation factor is designed as a filter to keep out anyone unable to appreciate the thoughtful arguments beneath the shock and the schlock. The music (if not the raunchy lyrics) has an echo of Andrew Lloyd Weber. The voices, the choreography, the staging and the orchestra are all first rate. Think of it as a modern day Don Giovanni. Indeed the premise and the conclusion are much the same as those in Mozart's masterpiece. There are some great lines as when Springer, brilliantly played by Davd Soul, protests "You can't put me in hell.I'm Jewish." It's doubtful this will make it to US television. Certainly the evangelical truth squads will do everything they can to block it. It was on Bravo here in Canada Saturday night and I applaud them for their chuptzah in showing it. It might turn up in some fringe theatres or video shops in the US. Once you get past the provocative format, you'll find it a worthwhile exercise.

Despite my dislike for The Jerry Springer Show, Jerry Springer: The Opera actually sparked my interest starting with my lifelong love for the genre. First things off, it is not a conventional opera, but it is so much fun to hear and watch. The choreography is very nifty and jazzy, and the production values look very good complete with clear camera angles and sound. The lyrics are daring and very funny and the music while consisting mainly of brief riffs sticks in your head for a long time. The characters and story are also interesting and entertaining. David Soul is excellent in the title role and all the other roles are performed with gusto. Overall, fun and worth watching at least once. 10/10 Bethany Cox

I'm not here to tell you the plot, but this show (which I have also seen Live in London) is absolutely wonderful! Of course it's obscene and distasteful in parts, but that is because it's subject matter is the Jerry Springer Show.

As a musical this show has a wonderful storyline, some great characters, some outstanding actors (such as David Bedella as Satan, and Alison Jiear as Shawntel are both amazing actors with stunning voices and vocal ranges),the music and songs themselves are sublime, with some very inventive lyrics and stylings. Also the set is simple yet wonderfully equipped and working.