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'South Park' creators trying 'Mormon Musical'

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funny | 9:09 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008
i will go see this before it closes. stone and parker are genius. i even liked cannibal the musical. and when they're done with LDS, i'd like to see them move on to judaism and catholicism. deconstructing religion is a beautiful thing.
Anonymous | 9:24 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008
I wish Matt and Trey the best of luck with this play, although I don't think it will do very well. I just don't think people care enough about Mormons to spend money on it. But maybe I'm wrong.
Melody | 9:52 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008
This will bomb -- just like all their other dumb stuff. Best thing to do? Not print another word about it. Oh wait -- that's what I'm doing. Oops.
Comments continue below
Re: Most of you | 10:15 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008
First of all south park is a highly successful show. Look what season they are on and wont stop any time soon.

These two make fun of everyone. If you watched any episodes you would know they mock jews. They also mock atheists, gays, catholics and everyone else frequently.


South park actually uses some of the most cutting edge animation technology. That is why they can have shows about current issues. Unlike say simpsons that is a year behind current issues.

trey and matt generally have nice things to say about mormons. They make fun of them a bit but they more make fun of people who are afraid of you mormons and I am guessing that will be the premise of their new musical.

Watching half an episode or part of a movie does not mean you understand it. I used to hate south park until I watched a couple seasons and got what they were going for and loved it since. It is a pretty intellectual show if you want it to be. Studies have shown that the average comedy central viewer has more education and is generally smarter than people who watch fox news channel.
Boiseguy | 11:36 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008
Lighten up people, anyone who has seen southpark knows that they don't pick out one group and "bash them" they make fun of everyone and everything. they make fun of gays, jews, christians, mormons, black people, white people, politicians, countries, animals... the list goes on.
Anonymous | 11:52 p.m. Nov. 19, 2008
Once again, bigotry, hatred and intolerance are acceptable IF it comes from the GLBT community. As offending and misleading as it will be GOD will use it to his advantage to tweak people's interest and many will eventually contact a missionary to find out more about what the church REALLY believes. I agree with the poster who wondered what would happen if we made a Broadway play mocking the GLBT community? I am sure there would be more picketing, crying and moaning of homophobia and bigotry, and voices crying out for everyone to boycott the show as a sign of their solidarity against the hate machine that produced it. It doesn't bother me though because I won't be watching it, and I know that in the end we will have more people joining the church because of it!!

The good work of the LORD will trump all evil!
Bad Karma | 12:52 a.m. Nov. 20, 2008
A live play is not the same as a joke of a cartoon that few take seriously! Distorting and making fun of others religious beliefs for money is really funny huh? Bigotry is no better than racism! If this bad Karma does not come back on them in this life, I guarantee they will be regretting their slander and bigotry on judgement day in the next life! What goes around comes around!
Eugene | 1:13 a.m. Nov. 20, 2008
Rise above it and ignore it. Why waste your time and energy on trash!

All that bullies and persecutors want in life is a rise out of those they try to down-trod so if you take my advice above, the bullies and persecutors lose interest if there is no response.

My first amenment right to free speech is to reserve mine for something important and worthy of speech, not waste it on garbage.
Tex LDS | 7:31 a.m. Nov. 20, 2008
Re: "You can try to "rejoice" but it's not going to make you feel better about the bigoted decisions you make."

I hope I always stay bigoted against sin.
Bryan | 7:32 a.m. Nov. 20, 2008
We've all known for a long time that broadway is filled with immoral, debase people. Its been a long drop from Andrew Lloyd Weber in this homosexual filled, anti-religious, intolerant group of elitists called Broadway. The anthisis of the majority of moral, decent, honest hardworking Americans.

This vulgar, course premise disgusts the finer nature of all decent people - all mothers and fathers who want strong families and strong society.

Boycott this folks. Don't pay a dime and this folds faster than a flimsy Anti-prop 8 argument.
Hey, Um, Bryan | 8:39 a.m. Nov. 20, 2008
Bryan--you're on topic with South Park, right? Just making sure.

Actors, writers, producers, and so forth tend to be creative people who make their own rules, yes. And a number of them (please don't stereotype by trashing them ALL) fit the traditional definition of "immoral," granted. Others don't--I guarantee it. But on the whole, I don't know that I'd want to live in a world that had no art, literature, drama, creativity, independent thinking, or all-around free agency. Would you?

In the world we currently live in, the "South Parks" and "Jerry Springers" of our creative culture are the cost of enjoying "Les Miserables" and "Phantom of the Opera." Until society and human nature change for the better, the bitter comes with the sweet. Interestingly, though, the best and most meaningful of the sweet sticks around to be enjoyed by future generations. People rarely develop a lasting taste for the bitter.

This too shall pass.
Sneaky Jimmy | 9:10 a.m. Nov. 20, 2008
It seems many here missed the priesthood lesson on sarcasm.
Lighten up | 9:19 a.m. Nov. 20, 2008
re: Eugene | 1:13 a.m. Nov. 20, 2008

Coming from someone who is afraid to go to RES & of Utah fans is very interesting.

Ute fans are just expressing their 1st amendment rights... aren't they?

Seriously, there is not enough good satire these days. We need more people like Lewis Black, Carlos Mencia, Denis Leary, Colbert, Parker & Stone, Seth MacFarlane, & the brains behind the WWE, Monty Python and the Simpsons.
Ryan | 9:44 a.m. Nov. 20, 2008
"Once again, bigotry, hatred and intolerance are acceptable IF it comes from the GLBT community. "

You need to get over this idea that being made fun of is bigotry, hatred, or intolerance. It's joking around. Thats all, and in the case of South Park it happens to be funny. It's not like this play is calling on everyone to refuse service to mormons or to kill them or whatever.

It's a joke people! Lighten up.
Matt | 9:58 a.m. Nov. 20, 2008
Stone and Parker are going to nail this. The problem is, how many people visiting New York want to pay money to see a play that skewers a religion most don't care about when there are so many better things to do.

I mean, how bad has their movie Orgazmo really hurt the church.

How many people have even heard of Orgazmo.
MD | 10:41 a.m. Nov. 20, 2008
More brain-washing for the lemmings ... priceless.

"Ridicule the Mormons" moves quickly to "Hate the Mormons" and soon becomes "Banish the Mormons" and eventually morphs into "Exterminate the Mormon vermin".

Yes, we've seen it all before. Funny how history repeats itself. Our society sure doesn't seem to be making much "progress".
Oh well!! | 10:44 a.m. Nov. 20, 2008
Who cares anyway? The righteous will only become more righteous and the wicked even more wicked. It's just all part of the plan. So just enjoy spending your time and money on your family and skip the show!
But Ryan... | 10:45 a.m. Nov. 20, 2008
... two things about your comment at 9:44:

1) As Shakespeare put it, many a truth is said in jest, and

2) Just because ONE person thinks something is funny doesn't obligate anyone else to laugh at it.

Comedy usually dances on the line between what is and isn't socially acceptable. But sometimes the comedian hits a nerve too deep--a taboo--and can't back out. (Michael Richards losing control, remember?) Sometimes the truth hurts, too, even if said in jest.

So you might think the South Park Mormon send-up is hilarious. That'd be your taste. But I get the idea that you wouldn't want someone else's tastes imposed on you. So you probably shouldn't be telling offended people that they have to laugh at what you see as funny, either. That only invites trouble.

Understand why YOU think something's funny--and also understand why someone else might be offended rather than amused. (And no, the "uptight" label's a far-too-dismissive shortcut around REAL sensitivity.) Just my two cents.
Jessica | 11:28 a.m. Nov. 20, 2008
Lighten up folks! This will be fun and entertaining. If you can't polk fun at yourselves, you really need to get a hobby.

Our religion is filled to the brim with quirky, unique and fun things. We have a unique culture and we should embrace it.

IMAN | 11:53 a.m. Nov. 20, 2008
I though that the Southpark episode about the Mormons was very entertaining.
Ken | 11:56 a.m. Nov. 20, 2008
Sounds like a waste of time.
"lighten up"??? | 12:03 p.m. Nov. 20, 2008
No. This is gross. If the tables were turned and this were a musical to make fun of and criticize gays your reaction and the reaction of millions of other americans would be terribly different. But it's okay with everyone to bash religion... GROSS.
Jody | 12:11 p.m. Nov. 20, 2008

I don't think it will be a South Park version of Sons of Provo

The "gay" crowd is reaaaally mad at Mormons, I do not expect it to be very funny. I think at very least Mormons should 'boycot' their musical.


While it is true: Every time you kick "Mormonism" you kick it upstairs; you never kick it
downstairs. The Lord Almighty so orders it."
- Brigham Young

Let's not be tooooo wimpy. I mean actively defending the faith we should.
alanincalif | 12:21 p.m. Nov. 20, 2008
Shoe on the other foot? Are you kidding? Gays have been made fun of ini just about every movie ever made. They are portrayed as swishy sissies that lisp when they talk and as wimpy as a person can be. It is so pervasive that most people are shocked to find out gays are just normal people that are attracted to the same sex. I am sure most of the people that are worried someone is going to laugh at the Church have laughed plenty at these sterotypes. The shoe is truly on the other foot.
MD | 12:31 p.m. Nov. 20, 2008
Are the creators of South Park doing this to make more money?

No.

It isn't rocket science to perceive their motivation.

They've made a lot of money on their irreverence to date, and now, given the hot topic of "Mormonism and Prop 8", they're using that money to make a social statement by bashing Mormons. It's the PC thing to do now, especially in circles like Hollywood, and it's a current example of "acting with primal rage".

The hypocrisy is staggering (but okay if you're "in the right").

Who can't see that? Answer: People who don't WANT to see that.
Satan's Army | 12:56 p.m. Nov. 20, 2008
Mormons, Will you please step down from your soap boxes and get with reality. This little Broadway musical will not hurt or destroy you in any way. Instead of feeling sorry for yourselves, why don�t you feel sorry for the poor and homeless? Why don�t you use the same financial power that was used during Prop 8 to help the homeless families in Utah? You are representing The Lords Church not your own. Grow up! You are selfish. We should be trying to help others get closer to God. We must be more open towards people of different faiths, lifestyles, and moral values as long as we can keep our own. If you believe it is the true church, what�s the worry? We Mormons should not be fighting for the truth of our church.
Who cares? | 1:04 p.m. Nov. 20, 2008
Any public demonstrations, Broadway shows, public humiliation against mormons doesn't matter. The growth of the Church inside the USA very small compared to the work done outside the USA. We need to realize that the perception of the Church inside the USA isn't all that important because everyone already makes fun and discriminates(ask Mitt about his campaign success in the bible belt). The church is being more prosperous amoung humble countries like mexico, nicaragua, philipines islands, and especially Africa. The USA is too prideful and already thinks Mormons live in dirt road compounds with 27 wifes and homemade dresses. Just ignore these people because its only gonna get worse as the world ripens for the 2nd coming. I'm personally torn about Prop 8, but nothing makes me prouder than having a Church take a strong stand against things they oppose. Let politicians play both parties and be centristic. Let Churches take the unpopular and not politically correct stands, but right ones.
H | 1:45 p.m. Nov. 20, 2008
"...though the haughty may smile and the wicked revile, yet we love thy glad tidings to hear...."
People shouting... | 2:03 p.m. Nov. 20, 2008
"Howdy neighbor!"
MormonMan | 2:26 p.m. Nov. 20, 2008
The show could be funny if it were Mormons making fun of themselves. Unfortunely, this is just another Nazi-like prejudice smear campaign redirected at another group of innocent people who are too small in number to adequately defend themselves.

Apparently, since we aren't allowed to demean, belittle and talk condescendingly down to black people, women, and gays anymore, you all have had to settle for maligning a well-meaning religious group, a group, I might add, that would be among the first ones there to help you if disaster struck your community.

Hope you enjoy your round of persecution and malice. I'm sure the Ku Klux Klan will move aside for you.

Jon Voigt | 2:30 p.m. Nov. 20, 2008
Wasn't there an anti-mormon movie put out recently by Jon Voigt? Some type of western or something. Could the five people that saw that movie drop a post and let us know if it was any good? I am guessing the same five people will really enjoy the South Park play on broadway.
To alanincalif | 12:21 | 2:51 p.m. Nov. 20, 2008
Re: ". . . just normal people that are attracted to the same sex . . . ."

Isn't that kinda like the definition of abnormal?
just laugh | 2:56 p.m. Nov. 20, 2008
There really is a lot of silly things we hold dear. What is wrong with laughing? We should not be paranoid at how some show in Broadway views our 'quirky' beliefs. So many elements of doctrine are hard to fathom that we only can accept them with faith; logic and reason will not solve belief. Those who worship logic and reason get a kick out of what they cannot understand because they have no belief. Great! Let them enjoy, and we should laugh with them. Does it shake your belief? Heavens no.
RE: Jon Voigt | 3:15 p.m. Nov. 20, 2008
You're probably referring to September Dawn, starring Jon Voigt but produced by someone else--I forget who, don't want to give them credit/blame anyway. That was the Mountain Meadows Massacre feature film. Critics thought it was a poor effort.

My guess is that this South Park musical play or whatever will suffer a similar fate--except for the devoted SP fans, of course, who will see it as the greatest and funniest drama ever written.
anon | 3:53 p.m. Nov. 20, 2008
There's nothing wrong with laughing - until you are the one they are mocking and deriding and it is your precious beliefs that they are belittling.
Henry Drummond | 4:54 p.m. Nov. 20, 2008
We see this every year with Saturday's Voyeur. At some point there will be the conflicted Gay missionary. You would think they could come up with something a little more original.
The Bard knows best | 8:47 p.m. Nov. 20, 2008
re: But Ryan... | 10:45 a.m. Nov. 20, 2008

>>1) As Shakespeare put it, many a truth is said in jest<<

Bingo! There is at least an ounce of truth in every pound of sarcasm
Earl | 10:24 p.m. Nov. 20, 2008
It should be called "One flew over the cuckoos nest."
Singled Out? | 11:11 p.m. Nov. 20, 2008
Why are "Mormons" fair game? Every other group seems to be off limits.
you are all scary | 1:34 p.m. Nov. 21, 2008
"since we aren't allowed to demean blacks ANYMORE?"

You make me sick! Lighten up! You no more represent the spirit of Christ than the world you are reviling. You all truly believe you are better, just because you were baptised. Now its safe to spew bigotry towards other groups and be immune from criticism yourself? Why are you wasting your time riviling those who are only joking about you? Don't you have home teaching to do? Put down your banners and arms, you are not being 'persecuted' or anything. There is alot to make fun of, you have banners all over utah valley advertising movies making fun of yourselves. I think if I showed one of your lame movies to one of my friends they wouldn't think it was funny, but you do. Why waste your time being bitter over someone else choices? tend to your own garden.

Your responses to small jokes when you have cover of anonymity gives away your true characters. Grow up, what would your leaders think? I have nothing against the church, but its self righteous members really give it a bad name.
How funny | 2:40 p.m. Nov. 21, 2008
(cue the southpark music) dumb.. dumb.. dumb.. dumb.. dumb..

I can hardly wait to go see this musical. I'm hoping they'll include senator Buttars in west jordan as part of the storyline.
gw | 3:18 p.m. Nov. 21, 2008
I find it interesting that a missionary serving in the Salt Lake City North mission, said since Pro 8 was passed in California, they have been invited in to homes by curious people to hear the " Mormon side of things", I think this will create the same kind of response. I do not mind being made fun of, unless it gets into sacred things.
Bo | 4:32 p.m. Nov. 21, 2008
This really isn't that big of a deal, and it certainly isn't anything new. I think Trey and Matt are hilarious, but they make fun of anything and everything, especially Mormons. I have however, heard them talk about the respect they have for the Mormons they know, and the positive things they've slipped in about Mormons on South Park make me think this play won't be completely negative.

Either way, I wouldn't care to see it myself, but thats personal. I taught a lot of Nigerians on my mission, and they have a saying in Nigeria that stuck with me:

"When you see children throwing rocks at a tree, you know that tree must have good fruit."

Alex | 10:20 p.m. Nov. 22, 2008
Who is it that really needs to "lighten up"? Those that wince but let films such as these roll off their shoulders, or those who will harass and sue for a perceived slight? It is interesting that some in the "arm chair" that think we Mormons ought to "lighten up" have a hard time taking it themselves.

Look, this is no skin off my nose. I have never seen an episode of South Park in my life and have no intention of doing so. I personally don't care and will lose no sleep over it. However, as I have observed, many that think that humor must ridicule and demean to be funny appear to me as insecure people trying to reassure themselves. Somehow taking a dig at somebody from the middle of a large group gives one a false sense of intellectual honesty and self-congratulation. Unfortunately, every person from that sophisticated group of the "undeceived" must eventually go home and ask themselves why they don't feel any better.
own medicine | 12:16 p.m. Nov. 23, 2008
Alex, that sounds exactly like what you are all doing. In your arm chairs, calling the world wicked, calling everyone who doesn't think like you WRONG, bashing the gay community, cutting people down b/c of what an old white bearded man once said. You didn't really listen to the content of the email you were quoting!

The rest of the 6.4 billion people don't need to lighten up. We aren't freaking out over what a tiny, inconsequential group says about us. It is you who are freaking out about someone making jokes. I agree: YOU ARE NOT BEING PERSECUTED SO LIGHTEN UP! I think anyone who knows one of the throngs of accountant, business Mormons in this world would agree that pulling the sticks out of your uptight, G-rated asses would make you and those you call wicked a lot more pleasant.
Alex | 12:40 p.m. Nov. 23, 2008
own medicine:

Lighten up. Learn to laugh at yourself. Don't take yourself so seriously. (How does it feel?)
South Park | 1:13 p.m. Nov. 23, 2008
IS IMMORAL.
Wow, own medicine... | 7:45 p.m. Nov. 23, 2008
... I can't help but agree with Alex. If anyone needs lightening up... I'm also surprised with your language that the DesNews moderators let it pass. But hey, it's your own choice to embarrass yourself! That's the First Amendment at work!
Rob McKay | 10:03 p.m. Feb. 9, 2009
Mormonism is a part of American history and culture. Indeed it was birthed in America in upper-state New York and has since transplanted its American ideology to many parts of the globe, including my country of New Zealand. There is bound to be something funny about it, if not downright peculiar.

Rob McKay
An Anglican

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