Jerry Springer opera caught up in money wrangles
The date of Jerry Springer - The Opera's Broadway debut has been thrown into jeopardy, following money wrangles.
The show is scheduled to be unveiled in New York city in the autumn of 2005, but major investor Allan McKeown and Avalon Productions are currently battling over the anticipated cost and scope of the production.
While Avalon is looking at $11m-$13m (€8.9m-€10.5m) to stage the show, McKeown believes $7m (€5.65m)) is more appropriate.
McKeown, husband of British comedienne Tracey Ullman, tells Hollywood trade publication Daily Variety: "Avalon and I are co-producers on the show and we haven't agreed on a set budget.
"I think it should come in for $7m (€5.65m). The show would play brilliantly with a smaller cast in a smaller Broadway house. The show is incredibly successful, but not with a large mainstream
"We haven't been able to agree on the budget and (until then) it can't move forward. I am looking forward to presenting this work in New York."
The show, based on Jerry Springer's controversial talk show, was successful at the London box office and has won a heap of theatre awards.
Former Starsky and Hutch actor David Soul is currently playing Jerry in the West End.
