Irreverent, crude, witty, clever and lyrically and vocally adept, The Book of Mormon is an hilarious religious satire. It is a rolled gold hoot from start to finish. Not for naught did it win nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical, a Grammy and four Olivier Awards, including Best New Musical.
It starts with a quick, quirky and humorous pantomime about the formation of the Church of Latter Day Saints. Then, we are into the body of the story, a creative number about the modus operandi of the ever-cheery church elders, in Utah, all dressed the same. There they are in their black shoes, trousers and belts, with crisp, white, short sleeve shirts, pressing mock doorbells, trying to convert the masses.
After three months of study, the elders in training are paired up with colleagues who must stay by their side for two years (rule 72). Thereafter, they are dispatched to various parts of the globe to sprout their message and extract conversions. The first few are delighted with their postings. Next is the turn of the anticipatory Elder Price who is about to get far less than he wished for.
As a nine-year-old, his parents took him to Orlando, Florida and he fell in love with the place. He has always dreamt of winning placement in that community. Instead, he is matched with a perpetual liar (a golden rule of the church is never to fib), Elder Cunningham. Cunningham lacks confidence, is friendless and prone to blurting out the inappropriate because it seems he just can’t help himself from doing so.
Elders Price and Cunningham are to be sent to Uganda. Once there, they quickly come to realise the task they have been given is likely to be a bridge too far. This is a place where AIDS, famine, poverty and oppression from the local warlord is the currency. Robbery, corruption, fear and violence are everywhere. Church elders who preceded them have come up empty in terms of African conversions.
Still, Elder Cunningham, who perpetually tries too hard and is far too effusive, is immediately besotted by one, Nabulungi. So it is that the nerd becomes the hero, or does he, as he sets about reinventing the church’s doctrine? Meanwhile, his entitled partner, Elder Price, who commits one of the church’s cardinal sins, comes to fear that he will burn in the fires of hell.
The cast of 23 is led by Nick Cox in an extraordinary, engaging and highly entertaining performance as Elder Cunningham. Alongside him is a confident and assured Sean Johnston as Elder Price. They are joined by the beautifully voiced Paris Leveque as Nabulungi. Authoritative Simbarashe Matshe plays her father, while Tom Struik makes the most of Elder McKinley gay tendencies. Augie Tchantcho has a great deal of fun filling the role of the fearsome villain of the piece, the General. They are well backed by the other leads and a terrific ensemble.
The book, music and lyrics are by Trey Parker and Matt Stone (the pair who created South Park) and Robert Lopez (Avenue Q and Frozen). After nearly seven years of development, The Book of Mormon premiered on Broadway in March 2011. Today, with its political incorrectness, hijinks and levity, not to overlook its terrific music and flawless performances, it continues to resonate strongly.
Superbly choreographed and co-directed (alongside Trey Parker) by Casey Nicholaw, it maintains a rapid pace throughout. There is so much going on … all the time. Musical director Hayden Barltrop leads a fine orchestra, bringing the songs to life. I can’t speak highly enough of the scenic design by Scott Pask and colourful costume design by Ann Roth. Also on top of their game are Brian MacDevitt, with his vibrant lighting design by Brian Ronan, who brings creativity to his sound design.
The Book of Mormon is a musical theatre sensation. Just be aware if you are easily offended by bad language, the show contains liberal doses of it. For me, it just added to the unforgettable flavour. It is playing at the Princess Theatre until 31st May, before moving to QPAC in Brisbane on 31st July.
Alex First
Other reviews you might enjoy:
- The Book of Mormon (Princess Theatre) – theatre review
- The Book of Mormon (QPAC) – theatre review
- We Will Rock You (Frankston Arts Centre) – musical theatre review
Alex First is the editor of The Blurb. Alex is a Melbourne based journalist and communications specialist. He also contributes to The Blurb on film and theatre.
