I will reiterate that I haven't seen it, so I can only speak to it generally. The article you post is very good. I will quote from part of it:
quote:
Misstating LDS beliefs
The musical's book and lyrics contain multiple inaccurate representations of LDS beliefs and practices.
Some of the errors are arguably inconsequential, and likely the result of efforts to simplify for plot's sake. They include the specifics of how missionaries receive their proselytizing assignments, LDS mission rules and nuances regarding Lamanites and Nephites in the actual Book of Mormon.
Yet, "The Book of Mormon" musical also contains less benign inaccuracies, like misrepresenting Joseph Smith's history, distorting Mormon epistemology and misconstruing the church's teachings about the afterlife. For example, the song "All-American Prophet" puts to music a version of the Joseph Smith story that is riddled with errors both small and large. In one notable example, the angel Moroni sings, "Don't let anybody see these plates except for you (Joseph)," and then toward the end of the song, during the scene depicting Smith's death, the prophet sings "Oh God, why are you letting me die without having me show people the plates? They'll have no proof I was telling the truth or not they'll have to believe it just cuz. Oh. I guess that's kind of what you were going for."
Contrary to the musical's portrayal, historical records indicate that at least 11 people signed testimonies indicating that Smith had shown them the Golden Plates. The accounts of these witnesses are printed in each copy of The Book of Mormon — but the song makes no mention of them.
In another song titled "I Believe," the character Elder Price repeatedly sings the refrain "I am a Mormon and a Mormon just believes." The refrain is interspersed with lines like "(God's) plan involves me getting my own planet." This statement, like many in the song, represents an out-of-context fragment of doctrine that, on its own, is inaccurate.
In the song, "Spooky Mormon Hell Dream," the character of Elder Price finds himself dreaming that he is in the midst of Hades' flames with the likes of Genghis Khan, Adolf Hitler and others. While the scene's absurdity lends itself easily to laughs by poking fun at strict LDS mission rules, it nonetheless dramatically distorts the LDS conception of a multi-tiered heaven (three kingdoms of glory) and outer darkness. The "hell" depicted in the musical is much closer to the fire-and-brimstone preaching of early Puritanical ministers.
Yet, Mormons are not the only ones misrepresented. The musical's characterization of Ugandans is perhaps worse.
You are right that we never say "Praise Christ," "Hallelujah," or similar phrases. Our services are done in solemnity to invite the soft presence of the Holy Ghost, and we refrain from using the Lord's name more than necessary, typically keeping it only to prayers, talks or discussions requiring it, or where otherwise necessary.
"I am a Mormon and a Mormon just believes" is also highly inaccurate. We are told there is truth in almost all religion and are sought to seek out truth in all forms, and then to pray and discover for ourselves. We are not taught to "just believe," but instead to "just confirm" through our own hard work and thought.
Anyway, clearly the play seems to merge a distorted and false epistomology of the church with practices that are Puritan or Baptist. It doesn't seem very accurate at all from what I see.
But let me say this: I wouldn't mind so much if people knew what the LDS church believes and knew the comedy/parody value, but since many people don't know these things, they unfortunately will believe what the play portrays as being true. That's what I'm concerned about.
