'The Book of Mormon' gets rousing reception in Utah

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - The "Book of Mormon" is receiving a rousing reception in the musical's first-ever showing in the heart of Mormonlandia.

A sold out crowd in Salt Lake City cheered wildly when the show began Tuesday night with fictional Mormon missionaries singing in front of a backdrop of the Salt Lake City skyline and Mormon temple.

They laughed loudly as the jokes played out, many touching on Mormon lingo and culture that is intimately familiar in Utah, where two-thirds of residents belong to the church.

The biggest applause came during a scene when an African character sings, "Salt Lake City, the most perfect place on Earth."

The show's creators, Trey Parker and Matt Stone of "South Park" fame, told The Associated Press that bringing the show to Utah feels like validation and also brings the creative process full circle.

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