“The Book of Mormon” follows two young missionaries who are sent to Uganda to try to convert citizens to the Mormon religion. One missionary, Elder Price, is an enthusiastic go-getter with a strong dedication to his faith, while his partner, Elder Cunningham, is a socially awkward but well-meaning nerd whose tendency to embroider the truth soon lands him in trouble. Upon their arrival in Africa, Elders Price and Cunningham learn that in a society plagued by AIDS, poverty, and violence, a successful mission may not be as easy as they expected.
Growing up a theatre kid, I got to see the behind the scenes of what goes on during a production. The elements regular audiences take for granted I find myself deeply appreciating. I have heard the buzz surrounding “The Book of Mormon” but I still didn’t know what to expect. I can confidently say that this show has opened my interests in attending more plays/musicals.
Liam Tobin and Conner Peirson play Elders Price and Cunningham, respectively, who go on their first missionary trip in Uganda. When the Utah natives see that the villagers don’t take too kindly to their religion, drastic measures are taken to convert them. This play is one wacky, joyful, funny and musically-pleasing ride. The leads are great and bring a nice contrast to each other that is comedic throughout the show. The musical numbers had you entertained but also laughing during them. After the show was over, I streamed some of my favorite songs on the way home. The ensemble of villagers were great and gave nice levity to the serious situations they were exposed to with nice song and dance numbers and funny moments. The story of “The Book of Mormon” is amazing from start to finish. It is a great raunchy satire on religion, missionaries, and colonialism as a whole. The play is an over exaggeration of the represented groups. While for the most part, it worked, some moments did come off as shock value for the sake of shock value. Overall, the show was entertaining.
The technical elements of the show were executed to a tee. The constant light cues were sharp and never felt overbearing. There are many set changes that were done very creatively. The big set overhauls are amazing and never stumbled but my favorite were the small changes. The smaller ones were minute but gave a sense of a scene change every time it happened. The audio was great and the cast’s singing was top notch. I have nothing to complain about in this realm.
All in all, if you can catch “The Book of Mormon” in your city, find a way to experience it. Great musical numbers you will remember with a cast that kept you engaged the whole show. Technical elements that never missed a beat and singing and dancing that leaves a smile on your face. Fork over the cash for this one if you can catch it.
Now performing at the Music Hall at Fair Park in Dallas thru February 3rd
