The Duck Dynasty clan, known to some as reality TV antiheroes and others as homophobic, racist rednecks, is close to landing a musical in Vegas called The Duck Commander Family Musical.
Actors will portray the Robertson family, including Phil Robertson, who compares homosexuality to bestiality and said African-Americans were happier before the civil rights era. While Robertson's initial comments, which surfaced in late 2013, landed him a short suspension from Duck Dynasty network A&E, it was not enough to damage his brand.
“The show will end up challenging the views and assumptions of people across the political spectrum, more than most theater does,” said Michael David, the show’s producer, who also has helmed Jersey Boys, told the Las Vegas Sun. The production could open as soon as February at the Rio.
Robertson hasn't shied away from his antigay comments, initially made during a GQ interview, giving a recent sermon where he paraphrazed the bible by saying, "Neither the sexually immoral, nor the idolators, nor adulterers, nor male prostitutes, nor homosexual offenders, nor thieves, nor greedy, nor drunkards, nor slanderers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”
Phil Robertson's son Jep has stood by his father's opinions, saying, "[He and his brothers are] not quite as outspoken as my dad, but I’m definitely in line. If somebody asks, I tell ’em what the Bible says.”