McNally Play Draws Yeas And Nays

In New York City, about 100 demonstrators held a vigil where a new off-Broadway play, Corpus Christi, debuted Tuesday evening. The play, written by Terrence McNally, depicts a gay Christlike figure who has sex with his apostles.

In May, the Manhattan Theater Club had canceled plans to produce the play after receiving death threats against the actors and audience. But the decision was reversed only days later after police promised to ensure safety if the play was staged

On Tuesday night, theatergoers flocked to the play, ignoring the angry protesters and passing through a metal detector to enter the theater.

Members of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal led the vigil, and police said one protester was arrested Tuesday night for disorderly conduct.

"We are inviting people to get up and leave when blasphemies are enunciated in the play," said the group's leader, the Rev. Benedict J. Groeschel. "We are praying for the conversion of people attending the play."

A statement from the theater Tuesday reaffirmed its support of "McNally's right to express his artistic vision freely" as well as the right of protesters to object "in a peaceful and law-abiding manner."

Most theatergoers were not dissuaded by the commotion.

"It's all about free speech," said Candace Simon of Newark, N.J. "They have the right to protest. The theater has a right to stage it. I have the right to see it."

Corpus Christi will officially open Oct. 13, after three weeks of preview performances. No tickets were provided to reviewers, The New York Times reported.