We will be interviewing Clark Johnsen — original cast member for the Broadway Book of Mormon Musical — this Sunday in Salt Lake City.
Please post your questions for Clark about his story, or about the Book of Mormon musical, below.
To RSVP to attend the interview with Clark on Sunday afternoon on 12/28, (it will also be a Mormon Stories celebration), please RSVP at this link.
Has there been any extreme push back or threats of violence / lawsuits / foot dusting curses from zealous church members in response to this musical?
As more and more tolerant-minded Mormons either leave the Church or are being pushed out, do you think that the Church’s attitude towards homosexuality is becoming more hostile and regressive as those members who would advocate for gay rights are no longer within the fold?
Would you do a Koran musical? If so, elaborate. Would you feel safe? I’m not TBM but feel the BOM musical went beyond the pale.
What has the Journey of your family members been with regard to your being Gay? How has this journey affected their own views or feelings about the position of the Mormon Church regarding LGBT issues? How long did you try to make who you were work within he framework of the Mormon Church and what did your decision to leave it look like?
How destructive is it to continually live a life that is not in line with your mind and heart. How severe and long lasting would you say the mental, emotional, and spiritual damage can be for those people that feel forced to do just that, live a life NOT in line with what they feel is authentically them??
First off I haven’t seen the actual musical yet, but I have thoroughly enjoyed many of the songs/skits I’ve peeked at online. The question I have for you is this:
Do you feel some kind of vindication by performing in this musical, as it concerns the way the church sees LGBT individuals? In other words, do you find it liberating to be part of a satire aimed at the church (as well as religion in general)?
Obviously being part of the cast is a great opportunity by itself, but I wonder if you also feel good about breaking barriers and speaking out. What are your thoughts? Thanks!
Did this interview take place yet? I’d really like to hear it.