It is a fact that dating as a Latter-day Saint young adult is anything but normal.
A typical date, boys, can start out with your date asking "What's your name?" or "Where are you from?" only for you to find out that the only reason she asked was to make sure that her first name flows nicely with your last name, and to make sure that when you have your seven children, her family and your family will be in close proximity.
As you're asking questions, girls, he's checking you out from top to bottom, then bottom to top (just making sure he didn't miss anything on the way down). He does this for, oh, maybe three weeks, then asks himself "Could I do better?" If the answer is "yes," forget it. If the answer is "no," you can count on having a ring within the following few weeks.
Kurt Hale's new comedy "The Singles Ward," takes every LDS cliche, stereotype and myth and tops them with the quirks that construct Mormon culture, then slaps them onto the big screen.
Stand-up comedian Jonathan Jordan (Will Swenson) had the "perfect BYU marriage," until his wife unexpectedly falls away from the Church, then leaves him, turning his life upside-down.
Being a divorced young single adult, Jonathan also makes his way away from the Church and uses it, and its teachings as fodder for his stand-up comedy.
"The Singles Ward" is the LDS dating scene through the eyes of Jonathan, who, needless to say, is less than thrilled about it -- until he meets the ward activities director.
Cammie Giles (Connie Young), immediately grabs his attention, but she sees right through him, as he was so quick to brush her off when previously invited to activities.
Unwilling to react to his "reel in" attempts, Cammie strikes Jonathan as a challenge.
With Cammie's help, and the help of his next door neighbors, "the man with the plan for everything" Eldon (Daryn Tufts), "happy-go-lucky" Hyrum (Michael Birkeland) and Dallen (Kirby Heyborne), a "self proclaimed aficionado of Mormon folklore," Jonathan's interest in the Church is rekindled.
"The Singles Ward" also stars baseball legend Wally Joyner as Brother Angel, Robert "Bob-O" Swenson as Zak, Michelle Ainge as Allyson, Lincoln Hoppe as DeVerl, Terrence Edwards as Troy, Sedra Santos as Laura and Gretchen Whaley as Stacie.
With more than fifteen cameos, the film features LDS personalities and celebrities such as NFL all-star Steve Young, the NBA's Shawn Bradley, basketball great and former Trail Blazer Danny Ainge, MTV's "The Real World-New Orleans" Julie Stoffer, God's Army director Richard Dutcher, former BYU football coach Lavell Edwards, former Utah Jazz Thurl Bailey and veteran actor Gordon Jump.
The soundtrack to "The Singles Ward" was added by writer/producer/director Hale and Producer Dave Hunter to give the film something "original and unique." Comprised of 14 familiar Church hymns and children's primary songs, the songs were redone, in attempt to have a "refreshing modern appeal" with rock and reggae beats. Including the upbeat versions of "I belong to the church of Jesus Christ," "I believe in Christ," "Popcorn popping on the apricot tree" and others, may be disturbing to one's childhood, but they do give the film some kick.
Despite a soundtrack that takes some getting used to, having all the attributes of a peculiar people, this "peculiar" film gets an
A
BEST CINEMATIC TREND FOR SAINTS
Mormon Multiplex Movies
Temple Square isn't the only place to catch movies with that special Mormon flavor any more. Following the success of Richard Dutcher's God's Army and Brigham City, LDS filmmakers went wild in late 2001 and early 2002 with independently-distributed efforts. Suddenly, you couldn't swing a jumbo popcorn without hitting a "Mormon movie" -- The Other Side of Heaven, The Singles Ward, Out of Step. If you can't beat secular pop culture, join it on your own terms.
Two months after its release in Utah with a $500,000 box office bust [the inexperienced author of the article apparently means "box office hit"], The Singles Ward premiered in Idaho theaters Friday. A few of the show's actors, Daryn Tufts (Eldon), Kirby Heyborne (Dallen), Michael Birkeland (Hyrum) and Lincoln Hoppe (DeVerl), held a private, by-invitation-only screening Wednesday night at Edwards Theater in Idaho Falls to promote the movie.
"I've always wanted to direct a comedy," Kurt Hale, co-writer, executive producer and director of The Singles Ward, said. "But I've always wanted to be able to produce films within the LDS genre."
With the recent box office successes of films such as God's Army and The Other Side of Heaven, Hale noticed there is, indeed, an audience that wants to see stories about the LDS culture.
"I also notices [sic] that no one else has attempted to make a comedy," Hale said.
Before the show began, Birkeland announced two upcoming LDS-genre movies that Halestorm Entertainment, which produced The Single Ward, will release in the next year or two -- The RM and Church Ball.
Why did you choose to attend Ricks college?
You know that's a good quesiton. I've never know I've had a great answer to that. Ricks College was easily one of the most special experiences of my life. I look back to it with so much fondness and it seems even more so every year. And when I decided to go, it just seemed like I decided to go. I grew up in L.A. and I wanted to go out of state to go to school. I was a very active Mormon growing up and Ricks seemed like a great place to go and I went. There was no real reason beside the fact that I was Mormon and wanted to go to a fun school.
What was the biggest thing you think you've gained from being at Ricks College?
Some of the most special friends and fondest memories I've ever had. I've had friendships at Ricks unlike any friends I've ever had before or since.
What did you enjoy most about being on Scroll staff?
The comraderie at the Scroll. I've got to know so many people at the Scroll and I really got to be part of something that was very special. The first day I walked into the Scroll, it was like a big room of people with open arms welcoming me in and I felt like I was part of a very special club at Ricks.
How has being on the Scroll affected your future endeavors?
I became a professional writer, and so the Scroll was one of the first times I was actually writing and and really enjoying the craft of writing. My career is not in journalism, but it definitely started me on that road of becoming a writer.
When you moved to BYU, why did you choose not to participate in the Daily Universe?
I felt like I had a great experience working on the Scroll and I wanted to try something different. I really wasn't sure what I wanted to do after graduation and so I wanted to make sure I was getting experiences in as many different areas as I could, and try something else.
How did you get involved in writing?
Writing has always come very naturally to me and my love for it began the moment I learned how to read, when I was 15. HA! Seriously, I've always written creatively in one form or another throughout my life, whether it be stories as a child or on the staff of newspapers in high school and college. Professionally, I got my start after college by becoming a copywriter and working in advertising.
How did you also get involved in comedy?
Comedy was something I just fell into. A couple of weeks after I came to BYU (in Provo), I auditioned for and joined The Garrens, a popular comedy troupe that performed at BYU at the time. I had no real comedic experience, but the troupe focused a lot on improvisation, which was something that came naturally to me. I loved being a part of The Garrens, but I never really considered doing anything else [with comedy] while I was at BYU. After graduation, I was invited to help start another comedy troupe in Provo, and was soon heavily involved in teaching new comedians improvisations and performing regularly for audiences in Provo. After about five years of doing improvisation, with some sketch writing and stand-up mixed in, I left the Provo comedy scene to be a part of the Skinny Lincolns, a troupe based in Salt Lake City. The troupe was started by an old Garrens friend and cast member of "The Singles Ward," Lincoln Hoppe. I'm still currently involved with the troupe and enjoy it a great deal. In fact, three cast members of the film are part of the show. For more information, visit them at www.skinnylincolns.com.
What problems do you face in the comedy scene?
I don't think I have a great answer to this, mainly because, for the most part, I've had wonderful experiences with comedy. As with anything else, one's always bound to run into differences of opinions and creative impasses, but that is just sort of the nature of the business.
What good things have happened?
I've been fortunate to be involved with many tremendously talented people over the years and have had made some wonderful friendships. The exposure has also lead to other opportunities, and I believe it's helped enhance my ability to create outside of a comedy club and inside of an office.
Describe your reaction when you tried out or found out you would star in The Singles Ward?
Well, the audition process wasn't typical in my case in that I never planned to audition. Kurt Hale, the director and co-writer, asked if I would read the screenplay and give feedback as a writer, which I did. Kurt's a very fun guy to get to know, and as we discussed Singles Ward, we talked about collaborating in the writing efforts of future films; but at that point I didn't intend to act.
After the audition process, Kurt had a hard time finding someone he thought would be right for the part of Eldon. For reasons I'm not quite sure of, I popped in his head and he called to find out if I'd be interested in playing the part. I, of course, was very interested.
How is your on-screen character similar to your real personality?
We're exactly the same height and both enjoy books by Chris Heimerdinger. One difference is that Eldon is allergic to many kinds of soup, and I'm not. Oh yeah – I would NEVER use feta to make lasagna.
What was your role like off-screen during the filming of the movie?
Off screen, much of the time was spent becoming friends with the on-screen folks. Specifically, I had a great time goofing off with Kirby, Mike and Will [who play Dallen, Hyrum and Jonathon].
What is your funniest behind-the-scenes story?
Eldon is a nerd. Plain and simple. So when I came to meet the casting director, she suggested I dress the part. I don't wear glasses or contacts, so I borrowed a pair, grabbed the nearest day planner I could find and threw on my geekiest old mission clothes. I took one look in the mirror and was a bit unnerved at just how much little work it took to "nerd me up." Some guys have to work hard to look like a geek; for me it just takes the right outfit.
When I met the casting director, she laughed and said, "You look great. I love the glasses, the day planner is great and your hair is perfect." The sad thing is, I actually didn't do anything to make my hair nerdy. It was just my normal hairstyle.
How has The Singles Ward altered your career?
It's definitely gotten me more involved in acting. For years, people have encouraged me to pursue acting, but I never did until this film. In fact, when I auditioned, I didn't even have so much as a headshot, resumé or agent.
What's more exciting are the opportunities it's opened up for me as a writer. I've been able to be involved as a co-writer for the next HaleStorm film, The RM and am also writing another film that should begin shooting this year. And hey – did I mention the novel?
Me, Myself & EFY is my very first stab at a novel. It's the story of a young man who goes to EFY and has an experience far beyond the one the brochure promised him. It's hard to describe without giving much away, but I can say it's an LDS fiction novel that's part comedy, part romance, part adventure with a little time-travel thrown in. I'm both very excited and nervous about it. I mean, will anyone actually buy a book I wrote? Time will tell, but please … EVERYONE … buy the book! If you'd like more information about it's release, hop on over to www.daryntufts.com.
Have people recognized you from the movie? What is it like being "famous"?
People constantly walk up to me on the street and give me envelopes stuffed with large amounts of cash. A couple of cities have named streets after me and a recent episode of Sesame Street was brought to kids by the letter "Daryn" and the number "Tufts."
How do you think people have accepted LDS genre movies?
I think the acceptance has been very encouraging. There are many different factors to it – it all depends on the person and the kind of movie that's made. But, for the most part, I think people are ready for LDS films. The response to Singles Ward has been amazing. I'm constantly approached by people who tell me they've seen it two, three, four times. Kurt Hale was set to make a clean film that LDS people could really laugh at and he seems to have tapped right into that.
With The Singles Ward, many people have told me they've appreciated the fact that the film does not make fun of the Church or its teachings and ordinances, and I'm personally always glad to hear that sentiment. The Church is very important to me and I'm pleased that Hale wanted to treat the Church with respect in his films.
How do you feel the public will accept theses future/upcoming movies?
If The Singles Ward is any indication, Mormons have definitely shown they're ability to have a great time with a fun LDS movie. But I think each movie will be a case by case basis, depending on the specific tastes of filmgoers. But one thing is certain: the quality must be there, and film makers must now ask themselves how to continually make LDS films better and better.
Richard Dutcher was a pioneer in that he made the first LDS feature film, God's Army. It had mixed reviews from those inside the Church, but one thing was certain – he was out to make the highest quality film possible. I think that's the mindset to follow.
Director: Kurt Hale.
Rating: PG, for adult themes.
Plot: A recently divorced Mormon man decides to give up religion, only to be lured back by a woman from a church singles group.
The buzz: Religious people of many backgrounds should be able to chuckle at the inside jokes this small indie film has to offer.
Rating: R, for language, sex and mature themes.
Plot: A happy family in the New York suburbs is torn apart when the mother has a racy affair with a younger man.
The buzz: Lyne has an impressive track record of thrillers and heartbreakers: He also directed Fatal Attraction, Indecent Proposal, Lolita, 9 1/2 Weeks and Flashdance.
Director: Ed Dechter.
Rating: PG-13, for adult humor and language.
Plot: A worldly felon helps a gangly high school nerd transform himself into a cool stud.
The buzz: Look for cameos by Vanilla Ice, Tommy Lee and Henry Rollins.
Director: Kazuki Akane.
Rating: PG-13, for violence.
Plot: In this Japanese anime fantasy, a teenage girl overcomes depression by making a psychic connection with the king of a far-off planet. Soon she becomes the focal point in an intergalactic war.
The buzz: A darker remake of a popular Japanese television series, it should appeal to American anime fans.
"Single Ward"
Halestorm Entertainment
Directed by Kurt Hale
Written by Hale and John E. Moyer
Starring Will Swensen, Connie Young, LaVell Edwards, Steve Young, Gordon Jump, Danny Ainge, Julie Stoffer, Richard Dutcher, Shawn Bradley, Wally Joyner, Thurl Bailey, Marie Osmond and Jason Buc, among others
Never has a film tried so hard. Ever. What effect this extreme effort to present a hip Mormon youth culture will have on the viewer depends, sadly, entirely upon his or her religious affiliation.
"The Singles Ward" is a study in the meaning of Mormon identity that ultimately runs itself into a state of total exhaustion by teetering just on the brink of honesty. Making astute, often delightful observations, it is nothing but likeable most of the way through. However, those observations remain mere insiders' jokes, without any further exploration of the culture they outline.
"The Singles Ward" is two radically different films in one -- the first a gloriously candid romp through Provo, the second a plunge into heavy-handed preaching that fails to be anything else but another church film, or rather, the same church film all over again. The first dares to hint at many of the deeper issues most Mormons struggle with in defining individual spirituality from social identity.
But it's as if the tension between the two is just too much for the film to deal with, and it plunges abruptly into the realm of seminary video.
Interestingly, one of the characters makes this exact comment. What is so intriguing about "The Singles Ward" to me is the ways in which it subtly betrays exactly the religious insecurity that it methodically attempts to hide.
The plot culminates in a "choice" made by the main character, Jonathan Jordan, to return to the LDS fold. The personal motivations behind this choice remain painfully unclear. Instead of presenting clues, the film cuts to a cliched montage in which the image of young Jonathan in baptismal clothes beside his towering, blindingly white, and faceless father is repeated.
Details like this make it very difficult to believe that his faith remains a truly individual decision free from social pressures, although this kind of faith is exactly what his spiritually flawless girlfriend professes over and over to the point of calling attention to the suspicious lack of support for it in the plot itself.
Troublingly, the characters presented are decidedly Mormon or non-Mormon, the Mormons confined to one dimensional stereotypes and the non-Mormons demonized.
"The Singles Ward" fails to be the film to herald the emergence of a Mormon artistic identity into mainstream cinema -- something that is attempting to assert itself in this and other films like "God's Army."
This is not because of its many allusions to Mormon theology and culture. In fact, those allusions make the film interesting, if not entirely accessible, to the uninitiated.
"The Singles Ward" fails to find any compelling meaning to the label "Mormon" beyond the level of a Sunday school lesson, and so this film will seem ridiculous to those who aren't already convinced.
That having been said, you should know that primary songs are covered by a punk band, a Pinto randomly explodes, a drug trip is induced by helium, green Jell-O with carrots makes an appearance, and one sister bears her testimony with "every fiber of her bean." "The Singles Ward" is worthwhile for anyone who has ever crouched in hiding from the home teachers
UPDATED Wednesday April 24th
YSAP is proud to announce The Singles Ward Movie Premiere Party! It's all going down on Friday, April 26th at the Falcon Fields Air Park in Mesa! Come meet the stars of the movie The Singles Ward for one of the biggest Singles Gatherings all year long! This party isn't just for Young Single Adults either! YSAP has partnered with Dana Harper and Friends to bring together all of the singles in the valley. The Dana Harper parties have been popular among the middle singles crowds... Together, we will bring thousands of Singles together for one of the best parties you will go to durring your Single Life!
Don't miss out on seeing the movie! It will be showing for one day only at the Harkins Superstition Springs 25, on Wednesday, April 24th. There are limited number of showings, and it will only be playing for this one day. Don't miss out! Showtimes will be
At your request, we have included the following map to Falcon Fields... We don't want any of you getting lost.
Directions: >From the 202, exit East at Gilbert Road onto McDowell. Take McDowell East until Greenfield. Turn right on Greenfield and turn left into Hanger Parking lot before McKellips.
>From the US60 (East or West), exit North on Greenfield. Go North until past McKellips, and take a right into the Hanger Parking lot.
The same map is found on the Back side of the Flyer for the party.
The flyer for the party is being passed out all over the place. They are also available here for download. Click on the thumbnail for the larger image:
http://www.ysap.net/:
"The Singles Ward" will be premiering TODAY, Wednesday 24th, at the Harkins Superstition Springs 25! We just got word that the movie showtimes were rescheduled to 11 am, 1 pm, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11 pm. Don't miss out, take a friend! If you mention YSAP, you will get in for a few bucks off of the regular price.
The Producers of the Movie, as well as several of the actors will be there after every showing to meet you and answer your questions. Come earlier in the day because the evening shows are expected to be sold out. If you like the movie, make sure and come to the Movie Premiere Party this Friday night.
Theater Location:
Harkins Superstition Springs 25
6950 E. Superstition Spring Blvd.
Mesa Arizona
Phone: (602) 222 4275
The Singles Ward Movie Premiere Party will be held this Friday night! Come party with several of the stars of the movie, as well as thousands of other LDS Singles. The party will be at the Falcon Field Hanger located off of Greenfield and McKellips. Check out http://www.ysap.net for the latest info about the party.
Updates to the party can be found at:
http://www.ysap.net/forums/showthread.php?threadid=169
The Singles Ward Screening:
PHOENIX, Arizona -- On May 10, HaleStorm Entertainment will be releasing the award-winning* comedy film The Singles Ward in theaters throughout Arizona. On May 9 there will be an advance screening of the movie in Phoenix at the Harkins Christown II at 10:00 am. In attendance will be representatives of HaleStorm Entertainment. We would like to invite you to come and join in on the fun of The Singles Ward. Where: Harkins Christown II, 5705 N. 19th Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85015 When: Thursday May 9, 2002 10:00 am For more information about The Singles Ward, log on to www.singleswardthemovie.com .
Three movies -- a special large-format production, and two full-length feature films -- with strong Latter-day Saint themes are currently showing in Hawai'i, including:
The Testaments of One Fold and One Shepherd: The Hawai'i-Honolulu Mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has made special arrangements to have The Testaments shown permanently at the Polynesian Cultural Center's IMAX Theater for free Monday-Saturday at 7:30 pm, and also Saturday morning at 10:30 am.
Approximately 600 invited guests and VIPs attended the Lä'ie premier of The Testaments, which was largely filmed on Kaua'i, on March 23rd at the PCC. Since then, hundreds of others have taken advantage of the free showings, which do not include regular PCC activities.
LDS Hawai'i Mission President Mark H. Willes made special arrangements for The Testaments, which was created about two years ago by Academy Award-winning director Kieth Merrill, to be shown in Lä'ie. Otherwise, the film is only shown at special theaters in Salt Lake City, Utah, and at the Washington, DC Temple Visitors Center.
The film, whose title refers to stories of Christ drawn from both The Bible and the Book of Mormon tradition, depicts events in the life of the Savior in both the Old and New Worlds during His lifetime and immediately following His resurrection.
Hawai'i actor Al Harrington, who has strong family ties in Ko'olauloa and still owns property in Lä'ie, plays a key role in the film.
For more information, or free tickets, call 293-3117.
The Other Side of Heaven (rated PG), which opened this week on over 300 screens across the U.S., depicts the LDS missionary experiences about 50 years ago of Elder John H. Groberg on the tiny, isolated Tongan island of Niuatoputapu.
Elder Groberg, who is now a member of the Church's First Quorum of the Seventy, was then a young man from Idaho who took almost three months to get to Niua, where he overcame many challenges and learned to love the Tongan people.
The film, produced by Gerald R. Molen and John Garbett -- who are also the Academy Award-winning producers of Schindler's List and Jurassic Park -- was actually shot in the Cook Islands using a variety of Polynesian actors mainly from New Zealand. It easily captures the spirit and beauty of that time and place in Polynesia.
Elder Groberg's main companion on Niua island was Feki Pö'uha, whose son Joe Pö'uha now lives in Hau'ula and is LDS Bishop of the Hau'ula 4th Ward.
The younger Pö'uha, who saw a preview of the film in Honolulu on April 2nd, said he "thoroughly enjoyed it. We were pleased and honored that somebody recognized my dad. Not only him as a missionary, but also the Tongan people as missionaries."
Pö'uha explained that his father, who died in 1972, came to Lä'ie as an LDS labor missionary several years after his sojourn with Elder Groberg. "My dad's whole life was missionary work. After he left Kolipoki [Tongan for Groberg], he was called to Niuë to help build chapels and proselyte. The Tongan actor who portrayed him, Joe Folau from New Zealand, who's not LDS, did an exceptional job."
Pö'uha, who served his own LDS mission in Hawai'i from 1978-80 and now oversees the Primary School Adjustment Program at Lä'ie Elementary, encouraged people to go to The Other Side of Heaven "with an open mind, not only to see how my dad was portrayed: Go there to be inspired.
"I didn't look at is as a Mormon movie, but as life in general. In this case, it just happened to be about a pair of Mormon missionaries," Pö'uha said. "It's about human kindness. It's about Christ-like love.
"I appreciate, and am forever grateful to the people who immortalized my dad. I'm also glad that he was identified with the labor missionaries. My children and I know we are a missionary family."
After the preview, Pö'uha pointed out he was also depicted in the movie -- in a still picture at the end. "Of course, I was in diapers, or ti leaves, or whatever at the time, and I was about a year old."
Former Lä'ie resident Pauline Tautü was also at the preview as a PR representative for Excel Entertainment Group of Salt Lake City, which is distributing The Other Side of Heaven.
"This $7 million independent film was fraught with miracles in production," Tautü said. "For instance, there was no rain money, and the crew just had to keep going; but everything worked out well. It's a mainstream feature that Hollywood is definitely watching."
The Singles Ward is a PG-rated comedy about LDS courtship and romance among 20-something Mormons that is currently playing at Wallace's La'ie Theatre. It drew lots of laughs from the audience.
Unlike The Other Side of Heaven, which dramatically features a number of universal themes, however, The Singles Ward is definitely an "insider" movie with lots of allusions non-LDS viewers will probably miss, although it's hard not to miss numerous cameo appearances by LDS personalities such as Steve Young, Danny Ainge, and Shawn Bradley.
The movie also features some very up-tempo arrangements of popular LDS hymns.
In a religion that puts great stock in marriage and family, single life is almost a way station for followers in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is seen as just a temporary period in one’s eternal progression.
It would seem a torturous wait, given what’s portrayed in the comedy “The Singles Ward,” which began showing May 10 at five Valley theaters, including three in the East Valley. In the film, singles suffer through a regimen of activities, including dances, potlucks and outings, to maximize matchmaking and free them from their single status.
“If you’re 25 and unmarried, you’re a menace to society,” says one line in the film.
The family “is the most important unit in time and eternity,” Mormons commonly say. “Marriage between man and woman is essential to his (God’s) eternal plan,” Gordon Hinckley, church president/prophet, said in a 1995 proclamation on marriage and the family.
Pressure and anxiety to find a mate for eternity is at the heart of the “The Singles Ward.” It centers on how a nonpracticing Mormon (played by Will Swenson) reluctantly renews his interest in the church when he falls in love with the singles ward’s activities director (Connie Young).
The movie is set in a Utah Mormon ward established to provide specialized ministries to its unmarried members for the purpose of turning singles into couples.
The concentration of Mormons in Utah and the West gives flicks such as “The Singles Ward” a ready market. Previous Mormon-themed films, including “God’s Army” and “The Other Side of Heaven,” have capitalized on that niche.
Even though the film was made commercially outside the bounds of the church, it is highly Mormon-friendly, even with the endless jabs at traditions and the squeaky-clean reputation of the church. There are even oblique references to polygamy and sacred undergarments, but the film works its way to an ending that extols the church and its plan for families.
In one scene, someone spikes the dance punch with Mountain Dew, a soft drink forbidden by the church because it contains caffeine. In another scene, a young man opens his Mormon mission letter from church authorities while his friends excitedly wait to see what exotic place he is to be sent, only to groan when they learn it is Boise, Idaho, already a church stronghold.
In another scene, the main character, Jonathan, considers turning his back on church teachings and unblocking MTV on his cable television.
“The LDS people love it,” said Jed Ivie, a spokesman for Halestorm Entertainment of Orem, Utah, which produced the film. “Those who are not members of the church don’t really get all the jokes. There are a lot of inside jokes.
“It’s being done with grass-roots marketing,” Ivie said. “We started in Utah on Feb. 1 and opened it in 18 theaters.” The film moved on to Idaho and now to Arizona.
At a 12-plex theater in Orem, the film drew a bigger audience than “The Scorpion King” on its opening weekend, Ivie said.
“Theater managers don’t understand how the movie is doing so well,
but the Mormon people love it.
“After we finish in Arizona, we’ll have enough prints that we
are going to start opening two states at a time, like Nevada and California.
We are going basically where there is an LDS population,” he said.
The church has not commented on the film.
“As a general rule, the church does not comment on commercial productions, including positive portrayals of Latter-day Saint beliefs and practices,” said Dale Bills, a spokesman at church headquarters in Salt Lake City.
The Arizona church spokesman, Don Evans, said any comment he would make would depend on how the film portrayed the church. Evans, who had not seen the film, said he would like to see more films produced and distributed that convey strong family values.
A Mesa church member found the film delightful.
“It is having some fun with the LDS religion because of the uniqueness of it all,” said Dana Harper, 42, of Mesa, a single father of three children who accompanied him to a special screening. “They all enjoyed it, and I thought it had been cleverly done.
“Some parts of it might be a little bit exaggerated just for the fun of it, but it is enjoyable. I don’t think LDS people will be offended at all.”
Ex-Phoenix Suns guard and coach Danny Ainge of Gilbert is among 11 well-known Mormons who made cameo appearances in “The Singles Ward.” Ainge volunteered to recruit ex-San Francisco 49ers quarterback Steve Young and legendary Brigham Young football coach LaVell Edwards. Other cameos include former California Angels star Wally Joyner (as Brother Angel) and NBA stars Shawn Bradley and Thurl Bailey.
A divorced Mormon from Phoenix said the film “hit the nail on the head.”
“I thought it was cleverly done,” said Daniel Boone, 56, adding that the film’s satire and barbs “smack at the truth.”
Boone said he joined the church more than 20 years ago after being an atheist. After his marriage failed, Boone said church members changed how they dealt with him.
“They look at you funny if you can’t keep your marriage together,” he said. “Marriage is one of the cornerstones of our church philosophy.”
He said he was encouraged when his bishop recently told him that ward leaders are being instructed to nurture acceptance of single Mormons.
“People who are single are treated with a certain amount of disdain, and it is one of the things that the church wants to start correcting,” Boone said.
“When I was married, I could walk up to a married lady and carry on
a conversation with her during church hours, and no one would think anything
about it,” he said. But after his divorce, he detected a “definite
withdrawing . . . as if I was going to be pouncing on somebody’s wife.”