Springer opera goes on -- for now

The London production of “Jerry Springer: The Opera,” threatened with closure because of an expensive libel action, will run at least until mid-December, producers said Friday.

Earlier this week, producer Jon Thoday said the critically acclaimed musical might be forced to close because of the costs of a lawsuit against the Daily Mail newspaper, which falsely claimed in January that the show was losing money.

The producers sued for a reported $730,000 in lost earnings, saying the Mail’s story had hurt ticket sales.

Thoday said the show’s marketing budget was slashed to cover the costs of the case, leading to the slump in sales.

On Friday, Thoday’s company, Avalon Promotions, said the show would stay open for now. He said producers would make a final decision after the court hearing on Dec. 13.