The show challenged many of the norms held by western society at the time. It caused controversy when it was first staged, and much publicity was provoked by the Act I finale which included both male and female nudity. This only became a legal issue when the show left New York on tour. Stage nudity was accepted in New York at that time but was unknown elsewhere. The show was also charged with the desecration of the American flag and the use of obscene language. The case eventually went to the U.S. Supreme Court.
The original cast included: