"The Book of Mormon" opens to controversy

The cast of "The Book of Mormon" on Broadway at Eugene O'Neill Theatre on Mar. 24, 2011, in New York City.

/ Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images

The  play "The Book of Mormon," which opened on Broadway Thursday night, has stirred up some controversy over its satirical approach to the Church of Latter Day Saints.

Pictures: "The Book of Mormon" Opening
Video: "The Book of Mormon" Offensive?

Written by the creators of South Park, Matt Stone and Trey Parker, "The Book of Mormon" examines blind belief in religion through a constant back-and-forth between fantasy and reality.

Robert Lopez, who is best known for writing the Broadway hit "Avenue Q," worked with Stone and Parker to create "The House of Mormon."

The two main protagonists, played by Josh Gad and Andrew Rannells, begin to question their faith when they are faced with an almost incomprehensible series of unfortunate events.

Despite controversy surrounding the arguably blasphemous content of the musical, Lopez asserts to CNN, "What's powerful is not a magical mythical corporeal thing called God," he said. "It's the power of these ideas, and the power of the trust, and the power of the musical. That's where the true miracle is. And the result of the miracle is that people are good to each other."

[AmazonTickets]

Having been an avid South Park fan for years, I have an idea of how irreverant Parker and Stone can be. I'm also familiar with just how funny they are in the process. I wouldn't be surprised to hear references to The Flying Spaghetti Monster right next to God or Allah. I think what you need to have to enjoy works like this is the ability to set aside your belief for a moment and let the apparent absurdity of it all come into focus.

I've read comments from people saying things like "these tickets may be expensive, but they are worth every penny." Of that I have no doubt. Tickets can still be found at places like Amazon Tickets Online, and it gives you a reason to go to New York for some fun.

[ALBrainTrust13]

HA HA the play is over. Not a cheap laugh, but funny through ridicule.

Now back to our real lives.

Funny, the play did nothing to shape my life....The Book of Mormon has.

The most important "missionary" in the Book of Mormon is Jesus Christ. That's what the book is all about. His mission was to set an example for us to live by and most importantly, redeem our mortal lives. He did one part all on His own. The other, is COMPLETELY up to us.

[credibility2]

I'll accept their brand of humor when they do a musical about Muhammad and Islam or air what they were forced to air some years ago on a segment of their South Park, which mocked Islam and Muhammad. They've gone after Jews, Protestants, Catholics, Hindus, etc. Fair is fair.

[omnibus66]

"The two main protagonists, played by Josh Gad and Andrew Rannells, begin to question their faith when they are faced with an almost incomprehensible series of unfortunate events."

Obviously they weren't wearing their magic underwear.

[documemts]

Yes, that would have solved everything!

[StopNSee]

Like the musical itself, the above reference to magical underwear is both humorous and derisive. I wonder who first coined that oft repeated term for the Latter-day Saint's covenantal clothing? With a copyright they could have made a fortune!
In the Mormon vernacular, Latter-day Saint simply means one who has made a covenant with God to be a follower of Christ. The clothing referred to is a symbol and reminder to the wearer of that covenant.
The design of the undergarment also provides guidance to modest dress since it covers the body similarly to a t-shirt and biking shorts.
I guess if you can derive some simple pleasure or wink wink humor from the term, then by all means, indulge yourself.