The Name on Everybody's Lips is Gonna Be... Jerry?

What does the former host of the most famous daytime talk show ever and the symbol of the downfall of American popular culture do in retirement? Take on the London stage, of course!

Jerry Springer, host of the eponymously named Jerry Springer Show, is now starring as slick lawyer Billy Flynn in the London performance of the popular musical. (His controversial namesake show recorded its last episode May 19 after budget cuts forced it to end). The New York Times review of the show focuses mostly on the obvious parallels between the musical's focus on facade and giving audiences what they want, but overlooks an obscure yet equally important parallel-- Springer's enormously successful political career. Springer worked on Robert F. Kennedy's campaign, held a seat on the Cincinatti town council and served as mayor, ran for Governor of Ohio, and according to his aides, had the charisma to run and win the presidency.

The story of how the most popular mayor of Cincinatti--ever-- made the change from upstanding, beloved political leader to questionable pop culture icon is detailed in a radio story that first aired on a 2004 episode of This American Life. If you haven't heard it, drop everything you're doing and listen to it right now-- it's an amazing character portrait and an extraordinary story that will blow your mind.

Jerry Springer's story takes on another dynamic in my current state of mind, which is roughly summarized as "oh my god I graduate next May what am I going to do with my life help help". Does anyone ever become exactly what they dreamed of being? And if not, is that good or bad?

Enough existential musing. Listen to the episode, and tell me if it doesn't make you want to hang out with Jerry Springer and find out exactly who he is.

One Night Only!

"Sisters Singing melds writing, music, spirit." Arts Advance, Asheville Citizen-Times, 29 March 2009.

All hail my first arts advance from the Asheville Citizen-Times: another product of my week at home. If you're in Asheville, definitely consider checking out this event: it promises to be an inspiring evening.

Writing advances is always fun; the people I need to interview are always excited about the event and more than happy to talk. My sources for this article were especially helpful. Thanks to their generosity and enthusiasm, I may even be reviewing this anthology at a later date, so keep your eyes peeled!

It is Written

I'm going to join the thunderous chorus of approval ricocheting around the world for Slumdog Millionaire, which has thankfully been echoed by the Golden Globe voters. Drop everything and see this beautifully filmed and expertly crafted Dickensian tale-- I've never seen a crowd more riveted in the movie theatre than when I went to see the film on Saturday night.

The cast is phenomenal, especially the young children. The movie has received some criticism for what some consider to be a cavalier portrayal of poverty in India, but I thought the actors displayed an acute sensitivity towards a difficult subject. Dev Patel's flickering-eyed Jamal effectively captures the lingering effects of his character's childhood trauma. Watching him sweat as each question brings back intense and sometimes violent memories, you wonder just what goes on in the heads of other game show contestants you see while flipping channels idly.


Also, I am so excited for Waltz with Bashir- an animated documentary about one man's attempt to remember his experiences during the 1982 Lebanon war. The preview that ran before the film was breathtaking, and from what I've read, it sounds like the film takes a multifaceted approach to what is a very difficult and controversial subject.

I could say that I prefer Oscar season to the summer movie season because the films are artistically superior and more interesting and whatnot, and that would be true. But the other reason I love shelling out 10 bucks nearly every weekend from January to March is that the subjects of the films tend to be difficult, dark, and depressing. I inherently prefer 'depressing' to 'action' or 'fluff' because (a) I am a masochist, and (b) I am the originator of the greatest fake concentration ever, Depressing Studies.