Soundcheck

Diaper Man From Jerry Springer The Opera. Dan Goldsmith

Tabloid TV Inspires a Musical

Monday, January 28, 2008

The award-winning London musical "Jerry Springer: The Opera" comes to Carnegie Hall this week on a wave of controversy and critical acclaim. Today, the musical's director previews its outrageous mix of biblical characters, raunchy arias and tap-dancing Klansman. Also: author Adam Langer shares his third novel, "Ellington Boulevard: A Novel in A-Flat," which tells the story of one apartment during the boom years in city real estate. Finally: rocker Eric Bachmann performs music from his debut solo album, recorded while living in the back of his van (voluntarily).

Listen to the whole show

Behind Jerry Springer: The Opera

Carnegie Hall has seen its share of far-out performances. But few have come with disclaimers for language and mature content. This week, "Jerry Springer -- The Opera" earns that distinction when it has a two-night run at Carnegie Hall. The musical comes with a history of critical praise, major awards, and a swirl of controversy. Director Jason Moore tells us what Carnegie audiences are in for.

Also: We get a review of the London production from British cultural critic Norman Lebrecht.

Jerry Springer: The Opera Web site

The real state bubble, in novel and in music

"Will You Love Me When the Boom is Over" and "He Showed his Package to the Co-op Board" are some of the songs that author Adam Langer wrote to accompany his new novel, Ellington Boulevard, about W. 106th St. He joins to talk about it.

Ellington Boulevard on Amazon.com

Eric Bachmann Live

Eric Bachmann toiled though the '90s in the explosive indie band Archers of Loaf. Then he formed the folk-pop group Crooked Fingers. Now, the froggy-voiced frontman joins us for a live performance and talks about living in the back of his van (voluntarily) while writing his solo debut CD.

Eric Bachmann's Web site