Springer producer silent on Dreyfuss rumours

Published Thursday 28 October 2004 at 12:25 by Jeremy Austin

Exclusive: Jerry Springer - The Opera producer Avalon has refused to comment on stories that Richard Dreyfuss will take over from David Soul when the former Starsky and Hutch star’s role in the struggling West End show comes to an end.

Dreyfuss was scheduled to play Max Bialystock in Mel Brooks’ musical The Producers, due to open next week, but had to pull out of the part, claiming he had a recurring shoulder injury. Nathan Lane, who created the role on Broadway to great critical and box office success, will now co-star alongside British comic Lee Evans.

The role of Jerry Springer, originally performed by Michael Brandon, requires no singing or dancing - something Dreyfuss admits was causing him problems while rehearsing for The Producers.

Jerry Springer - The Opera has been struggling financially following a legal battle with the Daily Mail. The tabloid claimed that the show was losing £40,000 a week but was forced to print an apology when Avalon and co-producer Allan McKeown presented accounts demonstrating the show was enjoying a “healthy profit.”

However, the battle for damages following the article continues, with producers claiming there has not been the money available to put into marketing the musical. Ironically, the publicity generated by the legal battle has had a positive effect on the production. Monday night saw audience figures significantly improved on the same performance in previous weeks.

Jerry Springer - The Opera is created by Stewart Lee and Richard Thomas. Tickets are available from The Cambridge Theatre, Earlham Street, Seven Dials, London WC2H 9HU or by calling the 24-hour line 0870 890 1102/0870 060 1733, subject to booking fee. Tickets can also be bought online at The Stage ticketshop.