“South Park” creator Trey Parker coming to CMU

CMU students have a chance to speak next month with Trey Parker, co-creator of the hit show “South Park” and renowned popular culture satirist.

English professor Jeffrey Weinstock will host an “informal conversation” with Parker at 7 p.m. Sept. 21 in Warriner Hall’s Plachta Auditorium.

The speech is open and the public.

Weinstock is asking for questions to be posed to Parker in advance of the event. Inquirers are encouraged to send potential questions to questionsfortrey@hotmail.com, an e-mail account created by Weinstock for this purpose.

Students also are encouraged to ask Parker questions on the spot near the end of the event.

“It’s really informal … There will be an opportunity for Q-and-A with the audience directly,” Weinstock said.

This opportunity was presented to Weinstock because of a serendipitous connection in the communications department, he said. Journalism professor emeritus Elliot Parker is a relative of Trey Parker.

“(Elliot Parker) just flowed the idea past me and I thought it would be great,” Weinstock said.

The event has been in planning since last spring, but gained momentum over the summer when Trey Parker indicated he would be interested in participating.

“It’s an excellent opportunity for the CMU campus to go see somebody who’s influencing popular culture.” Weinstock said.

A free show

Weinstock said Parker’s trip to Central Michigan University is unlike most celebrity visits that happen.

“Unlike other celebrities like comedians, he’s not getting paid anything.” Weinstock said.

Instead, Parker is coming purely out of interest in discussing his show and meeting some of his fans. He covered his airline ticket for the flight.

Weinstock is the author of “Taking South Park Seriously” and a regular viewer of the Comedy Central program.

“My favorite aspect is the topicalness of its humor — its ability to respond quickly to current events,” Weinstock said.

South Park’s immediate response to many events in the news is apparently no coincidence.

“They can put together an episode in a week,” Weinstock said.

One “South Park” fan is already looking forward to the chance to see a creator of one of his favorite programs.

“I like the multitude of ways (South Park) can make fun of simple things.” said Waterford senior Josh Hunt.