Deseret News | 'South Park' creators trying 'Mormon Musical'

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'South Park' creators trying 'Mormon Musical'

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It Was Only A Matter of Time... | 10:22 a.m. Nov. 19, 2008

... until these jokers, who've been doing the irreverent Jesus-and-Satan-in-the-boxing-ring gambit for years, took on Mormon missionaries. (Already tackled LDS Church.) The show's well-known as anti-organized-religion in general. There's no sacred cow South Park hasn't tried to slaughter. Mormons are only the latest in a long, long line, and there'll be others after us. Count on it.

You act like trey and matt | 10:22 a.m. Nov. 19, 2008

Only make fun of mormons, THEY MAKE FUN OF EVERYONE, Blacks, Jews, Scientologists, Catholics, Celebrities. And the mormon episode was factual. They highlighted points that they tend to gloss over in church. But they were accurate to LDS doctrine. They only exposed what you believe.

REALLY! | 10:46 a.m. Nov. 19, 2008

For all those who say they never watch this trash, you probably only watch KBYU so stop trying to weigh in as a subject matter expert.

And will you all please stop with the victim complex... it is really getting annoying.

This has nothing to do with the "Gays" this show if it already has been casted, has been in pre-production for well over a year.

And really? what is with quoting the apostle John... Is this a good deed to try to save the readers of the comment board?

Comments continue below

BA | 10:50 a.m. Nov. 19, 2008

Everyone has some great points here. Parker and Stone have made money on breaking the status quo. I can not see how this show would be popular on Broadway. It makes the insults more cutting because its not 4th graders speaking but real people. They are just trying to cross that line one more time. Its not fair to pick on LDS but it does bring awareness and a good chance of Members to get on local tv stations stating the truth.

Ronnie Bray | 11:46 a.m. Nov. 19, 2008

Irreverence for sacred things, particularly for what is sacred to others, is a fact of life. We don't have to pretend to enjoy it, so criticism is legal, even righteous.

Outsiders see things much differently than do insiders, because they look at the Church through different lenses, and make comparison between what they perceive as Mormonism and what they consider Orthodox, hence acceptable.

Whilst it is never right to mock sacred things or to poke fun at the sincerely held beliefs or philosophies of others, we must remember that whilst our discomfort might be well placed, the one who is most offend by such mockery is God Himself.

God announced the price of mocking God in Galatians 6:7, so that is taken care of.

What then, is an appropriate response? It is that the Saints of God maintain their faith and faithfulness, by:

"Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing"

Ryan | 11:59 a.m. Nov. 19, 2008

THIS IS GOING TO BE AWESOME! I can't wait to see it. :)

And honestly, can you guys quit with the persecution-complex thing already? You're not being persecuted. You're ancestors, and mine for that matter, who were tarred and feathered and killed would shake their heads in shame at those of you who are so offended by this.

No one is forcing you to go see it. If it offends you, don't go see it. End of story.

Hey, Ryan... | 12:18 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008

... I'm not so sure. Though I agree our ancestors would appreciate not being burned out of their homes, I don't think they'd see much difference in being mocked in Missouri or on modern TV. It's actually LESS shocking these days to mock something sacred in the media. I think they'd be appalled at that. You can disagree if you want.

The "don't go see it" argument is also bogus. Even if you avoid it, your neighbors and many others around you probably won't. The word still gets out, and it still affects other people around us. While many people know that South Park is hardly the place to turn for credible information, others take it seriously. I cringe to think of how many will watch this and think they actually will know something about the LDS Church.

Just what I think!

Mike in Texas | 12:20 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008

Based upon it earlier TV episode SouthPark has considerable difficulty making the obvious distinction between satire and ridicule. The former can be funny, but the latter is at best obnoxious and unfair.

I suspect this "musical" will be just more of the same. Dum, dum, dum, dum, dumb. . . .

Lee | 12:30 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008

Have you noticed, these two loons have NEVER done a hit piece or "comical" out take on Mohommed and/or Muslims?We all know the reason why too.

Ryan | 12:34 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008

"Based upon it earlier TV episode SouthPark has considerable difficulty making the obvious distinction between satire and ridicule. The former can be funny, but the latter is at best obnoxious and unfair."

Newsflash: LIFE isn't fair.

Here's my major complaint: everyone here at my work, who are all "active" LDS, are all taking offense in the same ways as those of you who have commented are.

These same people, and many of you I have no doubt based on your tone and comments, don't bat an eyelash while scoffing, deriding, and making condescending comments and jokes towards Scientologists and other religions.

I just think its unbelievably hypocritical that you make fun of and chuckle at all these other religions, but then when someone pokes fun at your own you get all up in arms.

You can't have it both ways.

Ryan | 12:36 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008

"Have you noticed, these two loons have NEVER done a hit piece or "comical" out take on Mohommed and/or Muslims?We all know the reason why too."

Yes, they have, on DOZENS of occasions. Unfortunately you are just plain wrong.

SEE: the last 12 seasons of South park.

Ryan | 12:40 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008

"The "don't go see it" argument is also bogus. Even if you avoid it, your neighbors and many others around you probably won't. The word still gets out, and it still affects other people around us."

"Word gets out..." OF WHAT? That someone is making a comedic musical about your religion? The same thing that has been done to other religions? How does this matter if your neighbors hear about it? Or if they per chance even saw it at some point?

EVERYBODY, including myself, know that the creators of South Park are jokesters - they make fun of EVERYONE AND EVERYTHING.

Ryan@12:34 | 12:41 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008

Right--we shouldn't mock other religions. I am active LDS and am likewise bothered by this tendency among us. It doesn't speak well of us, people. "Do unto others," right?

Michael | 12:42 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008

Seattle Guy- You are too funny, South Park The Movie just so happened to be a musical and is honored by many in the industry as a brilliant musical- although very crass. Many South Park episodes are musicals too. Very interesting that you make the claim that South Park fans wouldn't even enjoy a musical, since a good portion of the show's writing has been through music- including the famous Mormon episode.

Anyway, I am LDS, I love South Park, and I love musicals. Including the traditional ones. I just love good writing. I have claimed for years, and will continue to do so. South Park may just be the most brilliant comedic writing on television right now. Comedy, by it's very nature is disobedient- that's why it's funny. South Park intends to offend everybody, and if you get offended- (remember Bednar's talk a few years ago) then the joke's on you.

llee | 12:47 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008

I hate South Park. Always have. I know some people think it's funny, but to me it is just stupid and a big waste of time. There are some great shows out there that can get a lot of laughs without making fun of people and their beliefs. What kind of people are we becoming if we sink to the level of accepting the disgusting content of shows like South Park as entertainment. It kind of reminds me of dogs rolling in dead animals and then running around spreading the stink. Once you watch this stuff it stays with you and has an affect on you. The Mormons have worked hard, along with other religions, and other caring people to pass proposition 8. Now they bear the brunt of the backlash. South Park is just piling on and on and on.

Ho Hum... | 12:53 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008

So why would we expect anything else from them?

SLC gal | 1:03 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008

Please just make it better then the musical scenes in Team America. Personally they'd be better off producing it here in UT. LDS satire is best left presented to those who understand it and there are not a lot who would on a Broadway scale stage.

papa | 1:11 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008

personally, I am just tired of it all. Why bother trying anymore to defend something that just keeps getting torn down.
I just don't see the point anymore. Nothing is happy, people are dying everyday from who knows what, and yet all people want to do is bash Mormons. I don't know what to say to you people except I hope that when we all meet again one day we will be ashamed of all we have done. Give me a garden and a bag of seeds and let me grow something that will be beneficial to me because all of this is just tearing us down.
Round and Round it goes and will never stop till the Brass ring is gotten and there is no more music to hear, peace, be here with us but hate continues to grow between us. The signs are here and the times have come. Be ready

Albatross | 1:12 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008

" Have you noticed, these two loons have NEVER done a hit piece or "comical" out take on Mohommed and/or Muslims?We all know the reason why too."

And who are you to say what they have "never done"? Because it's quite clear that you don't actually watch the show, and that you're just assuming. (And you know what they say about people who assume...) Mind you, I don't blame you for not watching the show - but a brief Google search would be enough to tell you that they have indeed made fun of Islam. Including a rather humorous mockery of the whole Mohammad cartoon incident.

Certainly they don't spend nearly as much time mocking it as they do Mormons and other Christians, and gays, and various other groups - but that's because Islam is much less prevalent in the countries where the show is likely to be popular.

And, for the record, this whole "these cowards wouldn't make fun of Islam" thing needs to die. Because it's generally not true. And yes, "Religulous" and PZ Myers do make fun of Islam (and Judaism.) They just dedicate less time to it.

Silliness | 1:21 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008

"Are there any doubts a musical making fun of gays, blacks, or Jews wouldn't cause wide-spread protests?"

Well, "The Producers" was actually quite popular. It made fun of Jews and gays. In fact, Jew and gay jokes are among the most popular in Broadway shows.

You may say, "well, that's different, because everyone knows they're not being serious." But the fact is, the "South Park" episodes about Mormonism aren't particularly serious either - in fact, nothing about the show is particularly serious.

The creators are actually quite intelligent, and they're also equal opportunity offenders. But when they're at their best, they're actually quite funny. And I've always considered their Mormon-themed episodes to actually display something of an affection for the religion. Not that they're secret Mormons or anything - certainly not - but I think it'd be wrong to suggest that they hate Mormons or anything like that.

"I mean, do they think that South Park fans actually watch musicals?"

Stephen Sondheim, the greatest living Broadway lyricist and composer, called "South Park the Movie" - a musical - the best musical he'd seen in years.

Good for them | 1:31 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008

Let's all take it down a couple of notches. I would take Parker and Stone's even handedness scorn/attacks than the biased nonsense that comes from opposing views (e.g. Fox News vs. MSNBC) any day of the week. These guys are funny. Crude, but funny. If any honest mormon saw the "mormon" episode, you could only laugh (myself included). They were factual in almost all aspects (you can't make this stuff up!). Quite frankly, I am amazed that we (mormons) actually get as much mind share and attention as we do. Surely, there has got to be something more interesting than mormons. Maybe not. Maybe we are the new "it".

Anonymous | 1:50 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008

re: Todd | 9:56 a.m. Nov. 19, 2008

>>I would rather nobody make fun of a religion.<<

Why? Dubya has made fun of 2 for the last 8 yrs?

Ryan | 2:04 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008

"The creators are actually quite intelligent, and they're also equal opportunity offenders. But when they're at their best, they're actually quite funny. And I've always considered their Mormon-themed episodes to actually display something of an affection for the religion. Not that they're secret Mormons or anything - certainly not - but I think it'd be wrong to suggest that they hate Mormons or anything like that."

This is a true statement. I watched an interview with them once and they chatted about how much they admired and respected all of their mormon high school friends in Colorado, where they grew up.

Jon B. Holbrook | 2:52 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008

I have been a fan of "South Park" in the past. I know that Trey Parker and Matt Stone have lampooned Mormons, Catholics, Evangelical Protestants, and Jews. If the "Mormon Musical" is a parody in good taste, then I won't complain.
The creators of "South Park" did an episode about five years ago called, "All About Mormons". It was a rehash of all the negative sterotypes that liberals and some evangelical christians have about Latter-day Saints. I was very disappointed, since Matt Stone and Trey Parker are from Colorado which has a large LDS Community. I hope that their bigotry doesn't come through in the new production, but I am not holding my breath.
Thank-You

Here we go again | 3:00 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008

The fact that it's a story about yet another LDS missionary that is probably going to end up in yet another non-LDS Missionary situation, makes it sound like it's going to be old hat for them.

The Church has had a lot of press lately, and this seems to happen in cycles (Priesthood Ban, ERA, Mark Hoffman). Every ten years or so, the Church receives a lot of coverage, which sets off a pro and anti polarizing mood. In the end, it challenges members' beliefs, and makes our beliefs available to non-members, meaning it's going to be like the Five Family War in the Godfather, in that it gets rid of a lot of bad blood and brings in some good.

To me, it appears that Mat and Trey are simply riding the coattails of the media coverage of the LDS Church's positions on gay marriage, the political campaign of Mitt Romney, September Dawn (wretch), and so and so forth.

They do appear to have a soft spot for us Mormons, but that won't stop them from ripping us up one side and down the other. And considering what numerous other issues are happening, I don't think it will succeed

Topher | 3:03 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008

Am so excited, a cause worthy to believe in. Gonna keep my 10% to myself, and get myself a ticket to opening night.

Ernest T. Bass | 3:14 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008

Jon B. Holbrook: What exactly is the stereotypes that a liberal has of the LDS Church?
What does a person's political philosophy have to do with their views of the LDS Church?
That South Park episode was a more accurate description of events than what we learn in official lessons and publications.

R Hunter | 3:15 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008

Oh you poor poor POOR persecuted Mormons. When will the the Mormon Tabernacle Choir put out a cd of the greatest whinings of the saints. Get a life. Look at your history...just who are the persecutors!! Stop the whining and incessant martyr act!!!

paa | 3:25 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008

I've never watched South Park and never intend to, because it has the same major flaw that most modern "comedy" has: They always stoop to crudity and poor taste to get cheap laughs. There seems to be a contest going to see who can stoop lower than before in examples of crudity and offensive behavior, and these guys are active & willing participants in that ongoing contest, in order to "shock" and "titillate" their audiences. Anything produced by the South Park creators is going to have the same flaws. I find these things offensive rather than funny. Give me the days of the old comedies, which relied more on wit, puns, word-play, clean satire, etc. for a good laugh. "Sophisticated" is code-word for sick, twisted, and perverted.

remember | 3:25 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008

the Lord told us to rejoice and be exceedingly glad when we are persecuted. Sometimes it's really tough, but we must remember the reason.

1. "for great is your reward in heaven".
2. persecution only makes more converts.

I read the inevitable apostasy- it painted an awful scene of blood and horror of what the early Christians went through. Despite these persecutions and murders esp. during the reign of Nero- Christianity rapidly spread.

"Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God."

Jeff | 3:27 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008

There have been at least three major shows on Broadway that have been critical of Mormons, and all three were hits: The Girl From Utah (music by Jerome Kern), Paint Your Wagon, and Angels in America. There is a very good chance that this one will be a big hit, too.

There are a few troubling things about this show, however.

First, permission to ridicule a culture ought to be reserved for people inside the culture or people directly affected by it. In this case, neither applies.

Second, the South Park people are much kinder to the LDS church in their show than they are in interviews. They grew up around Mormons in Colorado, and hated it.

Third, Trey Parker wrote "Blame Canada" with Marc Shaiman, the composer of Hairspray who was instrumental in the ousting of Scott Eckern (the LDS artistic director forced to resign from the California Musical Theater). Shaiman believes that no money of his should benefit anyone at all who supported Prop 8.

Fourth, staff from Avenue Q, who hate Mormons (especially because of Prop. 8), are co-producing.

This will not be your run-of-the-mill satire of Mormons. This show is out for blood, sugar-coated or not.

awsomeron | 4:01 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008

Just do not go see it. I do not watch South Park. I do watch Family Guy and David Chappell. Because both are very real, in a lot of respects. I do not watch South Park nither do my kids and neither should you.

wade | 4:13 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008

i hope the church gets what it reeps. they should not but into other peoples life's. god loves all of us. have they heard the song jesus loves us this we know

Bruce R. | 4:13 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008

The dogs will bark, but the caravan moves on.....

Trash isn't amusing... | 4:14 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008

except when you realize how dumb it is for the creators of South Park to point fingers at anyone besides themselves, with how poor their creations are.

The joke is on you if you pay for such trash. South Park has no entertainment value to speak of, whatsoever. That's why I don't waste my time with it. No matter who they are making fun of, it is how they are doing it (offensive language, crude material, lame storylines, and kindergarten cartoonery). Their credibility is shot. I keep hearing that the material is offensive to everyone, so tell me how that can be appealing to anyone? Makes no sense. BTW-false slander really isn't offensive, it just shows poorly on the producers of such tripe.

When trash doesn't even know that it is trash, how can it trash on anyone else? That is what's funny? They don't even know how stupid they look and sound through their creations.

Hahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!

South Park is lame | 4:19 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008

Have these guys done anything of value? Didn't think so. What a waste!

South temple fx. Park | 4:24 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008

Carmen: time to go hometeaching.
Kyle: what are you doing here I'm Jewish
Eric: darn you carmen
Kyle: you can teach me anyway
Carmen: Kyle we can't teach you. You
Don't believe in Jesus.
Eric: that's the point. Let's make him a
Believer.
Carmen: ok Kyle we need I mean we have. To come
Teach you once a month.
Kyle: will that make me believe in Jesus.
Carmen: only partly. Stop smoking and drinking
And you'll believe more. And read ...

Ryan | 4:30 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008

How do any of you LDS-folk know anything about South Park in the first place? Aren't your priesthood leaders instructing you not to watch this type of show?

If this is so, how can you even begin to comment on them and the nature of their humor and show?

LDS Persecuted Again? | 4:57 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008

The caravan will just keep moving on!...

Anonymous | 5:00 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008

Maybe broadway could produce the roadshow my ward did this year. It has really funny mormon humor in it, too.

The Caravan Moves On! | 5:05 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008

"The Standard of Truth has been erected; NO unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God WILL go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated EVERY continent, visited EVERY clime, swept EVERY country, and sounded in EVERY ear, till the purposes of God SHALL be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say THE WORK IS DONE.ï¿½ (Joseph Smith - History of the Church 4:540)

To Jessica | 5:47 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008

Yes Jessica, a principle of the gospel (plural marriage is something to be laughed at. The way our Heavenly Father lives (plural marriage) is something to be laughed at.

Face it, some things should NOT be laughed at IF you are a believing Mormon.

Just ignore it. | 5:51 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008

The best thing the Church could do would be just to ignore it. They are only doing this to get a reaction of some kind from the Church. Condemning the production would only increase attendance.

What Ever! | 6:59 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008

I have never been a fan of South Park. The language is awful & unacceptable. But it will help the LDS church because it will perk interest & people will want to know more about it - missionary work in disguise!

chicagodon | 7:11 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008

Like another reader wrote....ignore it. Just like the church and members should have done with gay marriage and Proposition 8.

dandydon | 7:13 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008

This is just another crude attempt to undermine our church. We ought to ignore it and boycott it.

George | 7:13 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008

Sad that our nation has fallen so deep into filth.
Every time God's people turn their backs on Christ, that nation soon falls!! Read the scriptures....
Doesn't matter what faith you are...it is not right.

Rob | 7:22 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008

Yawn....

Lander | 7:30 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008

I probably wouldn't get too involved with this. I am LDS, and was a big South Park watcher in High School.

I've seen that Mormon episode, and though it lampoons our doctrine and beliefs, it did come around to actually saying something good about LDS members in general--they're good people. It just didn't support what the "Mormons" believe.

Apparently, Parker and Stone have a friend, Kyle McCollough (SP?) who is LDS. Wether he's active or not is another matter, but he's worked on South Park episodes before. He didn't leave after the Mormon episode (as far as I know), unlike Issac Hayes (who voiced Chef), who left after the Scientology episode.

I think that this will be more parody (though crude) than ridicule, personally, though working with the people from Av. Q, and Mark Shaiman (who got rid of Scott Eckern because of Prop. 8) is a little unnerving.

I agree that Parker and Stone will take the opportunity to make fun of anyone, and we will just be in line for hit #2. South Park has made fun of the Catholic Church numerous times, probably standing at about 5-6. Things may work out for LDS long-term.

PixelFish | 8:29 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008

The people who say imply that Matt and Trey have double standards and wouldn't focus on X, Y, or Z minority have obviously never watched a South Park episode. They make fun of EVERYBODY. Seriously....nobody is safe.

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