We went to see the hit musical, Book of Mormons a while ago with friends and we really enjoyed the experience. We hadn't been to a huge musical production in quite a while and this was a treat.
I had no idea what it was actually going to be about although I could figure out that it must have something to do with the Mormon religion.
The story is about two young men who go to Uganda to preach their faith and the challenges they encounter there.
Just knowing that this religious satire was written by the same people who did South Park should prepare you for the irreverent humor that is rather over the top.
If you are easily offended, this is not the musical for you.
None of the music was familiar to me though it was well acted and professionally sung.
Still... I wondered how the Mormons felt about this hit musical.
As we were leaving Blaisdell Theater we were met by dozens of Mormon missionaries handing out the real Book of Mormons.
As I said, we enjoyed seeing the musical and are very glad we went.
As for the Mormons, they were all smiling as we passed them outside the theater.
The story is about two young men who go to Uganda to preach their faith and the challenges they encounter there.
Just knowing that this religious satire was written by the same people who did South Park should prepare you for the irreverent humor that is rather over the top.
If you are easily offended, this is not the musical for you.
None of the music was familiar to me though it was well acted and professionally sung.
Still... I wondered how the Mormons felt about this hit musical.
As we were leaving Blaisdell Theater we were met by dozens of Mormon missionaries handing out the real Book of Mormons.
As for the Mormons, they were all smiling as we passed them outside the theater.
We went to the play several years ago, and we also saw Mormons on the way out.
ReplyDeleteWe enjoyed the show a lot too.
ReplyDeleteI've not seen the show. Would also be interested in how people of the Mormon faith feel about it.
ReplyDeleteI've heard of it but never seen it before. My mother had two mormons at her door. She said they were rude to her when she gave some resistance. I'm in a new house now, so I wonder if I'll get any of them or J witnesses at the door.
ReplyDeleteI saw that show and enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteWell this is totally bad, I know, but If you practice a religion that tells you what undergarments to wear I think you might expect a little spoofing. It's just good to maintain a sense of humor.
ReplyDeleteI too have been curious about that show. Think I would have stopped one of those fellows and asked but then they might have come home for lunch. Good move not to tempt fate.
ReplyDeleteIf I get a chance to see it, I will. South Park, huh? I know just what to expect now! :-)
ReplyDeleteMormons are really interesting for me
ReplyDeleteits good to know they weren't offended,, I don't care for South Park at all,
ReplyDeleteActually, I never watch South Park either. It's totally gross.
DeleteI like Mormons. They have good family values and the young missionaries will ask if you need any help. Maybe they need to visit the homeless - that would be interesting.
ReplyDeleteMy husband was a Jehovah's Witness. Funny how the 2 different religions have the same stereotype - both are unwelcome at doors. I do admit to pretending that I am not at home when either come knocking, but they are all good people, doing what they believe they must do.
I belong to no religion and tend to gravitate to a more universal belief. That can be very zany - since the sky is the limit.
Recently, I had a very interesting conversation with a very sweet woman who is taking Scientology courses and workshops. My former stereotype of them was martian/cone heads/strange, but the experiences she has had thus far have been quite enlightening. It is costing her an arm and a leg (financially) but she is having great benefits and is happy.
It is interesting times that we live in.
SO interesting
We almost never have Mormons coming to the house, it's always JW and they always want to talk to Mom who doesn't want to talk to them. They even send Japanese speaking missionaries and I've explained and explained that she is the daughter of a Zen priest and doesn't want to be converted, but they still keep coming.
DeleteAnd yet, I have the greatest respect for their dedication to their cause. A Terminex guy came over 2 days ago selling their plan which I would have been skeptical of because he first told us the cost of a one time treatment since he was doing the neighbor's house. Then it turned out to be a 1 year contract.
I would have sent him packing except that I found out he was Mormon and went to BYU. Got to talking further and decided on a compromise for a reduced price for just 4 applications during the year. I figured he was nice, religious and seemed honest so we went with the plan.
Hi, I'm a practicing Mormon and haven't seen or plan to see the irrevant Book of Mormon musical from what I've heard about it. I live in Utah and I think it came to SLC and some Mormons attended and were shocked. I don't really need that kind of entertainment in my life. Our Church has put out a documentary entitled Meet the Mormons for anyone interested in an accurate version of our religion.I think we all need to honor others' religions and not make fun of them. See the movie free at https://www.youtube.com/user/MeettheMormons
ReplyDeleteI'll watch it, Lin. You are very right about respecting and honoring each others' religions, of course.
DeleteI don't mean to be picky, but I'll say it, The Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day saints(Mormons) is a denomination rather than a religion! Now i hope I haven't insulted anybody. There are lots of LDS in this area so I get to live and work with them.
ReplyDeleteOh go ahead and be picky, Red. I always love learning from you.
DeleteI have wondered about this irreverent musical and how it is viewed by Mormons. I think Lin answered that question.
ReplyDeleteSince I am not religious, I have no problem with irreverence, but there are people close to me who would be offended.
That is an interesting piece of information that you provide, that Mormons hand out literature after these performances.
ReplyDeleteI belong to Community of Christ. We came out of the same roots as the Mormons. We left the movement over the polygamy issue and the Adam/God issue and other esoteric teachings that emerged after the Kirkland Ohio experience. We left the movement in 1844 after 14 years. Our name used to be the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. We changed it to Community of Christ several years ago. That more clearly explains our mission.
ReplyDeleteOne of my many great-grandmothers had a son who became a Mormon and traveled from New England to the West after the civil War. He had been a Union Soldier and I can imagine this very religious man who fought to free the slaves because he was an Abolitionist, being asked on the battlefield to "take care of Susy, Alice or Mary" by some dying comrade. As you may know, women had a tough time before the nineteenth century and a widow was lost without a husband. From my research, I have concluded that much of the zen for polygamy was owing to this factor and their reading of the Old testament which directs them to take care of the widow and orphans.
ReplyDeleteHe migrated with his wives to what became Utah. The Mormons purchased their land at Mount Zion from the Ute Indians, fair and square. Today, Zion is a National Park.
It is so easy to make fun of other people's religion, isn't it?
You always give me a broader insight, Dianne.
DeleteOur only child works in film, she knows many people who have acted in this play in NYC and around the country..If a person cannot have an open mind about comedies, dramadies and the arts then they should live in a country that doesn't allow it's citizens to satirize or make any art and artful plays and movies, we live in a huge area of LDS and Reorganized LDS they are many missionaries roaming in our area speaking of their faith..I would never ever be untoward or rude to any person who proletize their faith and faitful message, their families sacrifice to send them on these missions and they truly believe in their faith and mission..They are tall and short and always seemingly hungry for companionship I am older and I would want people to treat my son and brother in their church well, I can usually whip up pbj (peanut butter and jelly or jam sammies or egg sammie I fry quickly with some bacon for more protein) always have milk in the house and lots of good chips Hawaiian ones at that and offer them some nourishment, they usually accept and are gracious..We live in a global world why not be peaceful & kind to human beings who are really risking their lives to spread their word..That being said, I would have gone to the play for sure, I would not taken offense, as I don't speak rudely to any missionary and or JW Jehovah witness just not interested, but that doesn't mean I have to be mean and uncaring..You have a right to go to any play you want. You and your family are not making fun of the LDS and or RLDS church it is an art experience!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteIt's so very interesting to see all the different responses to this post. They always say you should stay away from religion or politics, but I've found all the comments extremely enlightening.
DeleteBy the way, could you tell me who you are? I'm asking all my Anonymous people to identify themselves with some consistent alias so I can get a sense of who you are. Thank you so much.
I am not religious but I have always found the mormons to be very friendly when I encountered them. I wish you a wonderful weekend, my friend :)
ReplyDeleteI'd be so lost without humor and laughter in my life.
ReplyDeleteAt least the Mormons do not want to kill us for making light of their religious teachings like some. (I don't think they do, do they?)
ReplyDeleteI saw this with my daughter a piece back. I quite liked it! No Mormons outside, though.
ReplyDeleteBlessings....
ReplyDeleteIts always good to do and experience something different.
I like humor of all kinds, enjoy satire but am not too keen on base crude Jr. Hi bathroom and snicker jokes since I left Jr Hi years ago. Don't know where Book of Mormon fits in that spectrum. There are probably genuine nice people in most groups. As for JW, Mormons, Scientology, and any number of other religious denominations, groups, some of whom may claim to be a religion primarily for financial & tax reasons, I've had various levels of familiarity with many of them and the adherents to their beliefs. I understand the Mormon rationale for wearing the white under garments, JW's beliefs about blood transfusions & some unique aspects of some other groups. To each his own -- I respect most of others beliefs and want to have mine respected which may be quite different from those of organized religion, traditional and otherwise, including cults. I have a serious problem with practices that require members to exclude families and others who don't believe as they do. I also find troubling the relation of money & amount contributed to redemption and/or spiritual growth. But as I said, to each his own. I do not press my beliefs on others and do not welcome being pressured by others to adopt their beliefs. Their pressing is not really for me as they likely believe & profess -- it's the proselytizers filling their well-intentioned mis-guided need.
ReplyDeleteYou've hit one of my big problems with certain religions that exclude members of their family or friends who might not believe as they do. I've seen this and have to shake my head since I feel religion should bring people together and not tear them apart.
ReplyDeleteThat's a good idea of the missionaries, jumping right in there and offering the original Book of Mormon. This is a really interesting post and discussion, Kay. Thanks for starting it.
ReplyDeleteIt would probably be a fun show. IMO all religion is fair game for spoofing, and there is much material in most of them. You can respect people as individuals yet still feel that they are collectively suspect.
ReplyDelete