Church to protest high school production of 'Rent'

By GottaLaff

For background on this story, please see my original posts here and here. For the record, I direct/write shows for a local performing arts high school, and we are always under the very, very watchful/critical eyes of other teachers, the principal, and of course, parents. But never have we been scrutinized by a church:

A Kansas-based church known for celebrating at the funerals of American soldiers killed in war plans to protest the staging of the musical "Rent" at an Orange County high school Friday.

The Westboro Baptist Church intends to picket at Corona del Mar High as classes let out and as audience members arrive for the play. Counter-protesters also plan to attend. [...]

Westboro Baptist Church believes end times are imminent and President Obama is the antichrist, said Shirley Phelps-Roper, daughter of the church's leader. The church has been named a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center.

And isn't that just who parents, teachers, and principals would want hanging around the kiddies?

The organization announced the planned protest on its website earlier this month, describing the play as a "lying, maudlin piece of propaganda" and saying that those who "enable" such projects are "worthy of death."

"Kill the children!" That's the spirit. But never, ever forget to protect the blastocysts.

"God hates [gay people] and [their] enablers; ergo, God hates Corona del Mar High School!" the website said.

I thought God loved everyone. Isn't that the Christian way? I'm not really up on religion, but I've heard that from time to time.

Church members show up at soldiers' funerals, contending that they are purposefully killed by God because America is accepting of homosexuality.

The Orange County Equality Coalition, which supports gay and lesbian rights, plans to support the teenage actors. [...]

Newport Beach police are developing staffing plans.

Well, Jesus Christ! (oops) They're must be a bright spot! Oh, good. Here's one now:

The controversy may have resulted in one bright spot: Tickets reportedly are selling briskly.

I hope it's SRO. And that it rains, and that there's a big thunder storm, and you-know-who smites you-know-whom.