I don't usually "jump the gun" on buying tickets to see Broadway shows. They're so expensive these days and you can almost always find them discounted once it gets closer to opening night. But I just had a feeling about The Book of Mormon and thought that if I waited too long, I might not get to see it for a while. Two months ago, all the press was still on the disaster that has turned out to be Spider-Man but this musical from Trey Parker and Matt Stone (the creators of South Park) and Robert Lopez (Avenue Q) was quietly building its own little buzz and I decided then I wanted to see this on my birthday. It was worth EVERY penny of the full price!
The sound of a doorbell is the first thing you'll hear when you go to see BOM. You'll see a handsome, smiling face wanting to tell you about a third part to the Bible... and then it's all downhill from there! The story starts with the elders each being paired off and receiving the assignments for their missions. Elder Price (Andrew Rannells) is the pretty, overachiever who has been praying for Heavenly Father to pair him with a worthy elder and send them to that most wonderful place on earth... Orlando! Elder Cunningham (Josh Gad) is the schlubby, chubby underachiever who just wants a new best friend. Needless to say, the two are paired together and sent to, not O-Town, but Uganda to help spread the word to the African Villagers.
Of course when they get there, the village is not what they expect. They meet up with the other elders, led by Elder McKinley (Rory O'Malley), who fills them in on the village and what's been going on. Elder Price sets out to convert everyone in the hapless village but, soon learns that they have their own way of dealing with their issues.
I have to say, this is, quite possibly, the funniest thing I've ever seen on stage! The writers have taken controversial subject matter and created a friggin' hilariously wrong show that I spent two and a half hours laughing out loud at. Part of what makes it so funny is the extreme sincerity with which it has been written. Also, that sincerity transfers to the stage and there's no "wink wink" moment where they're like, "Aren't we funny?"
Director Casey Nicholaw has staged a show that zips along at a rapid pace that had me thinking, "Really? It's already over? " But the it's great, leaves you wanting more and you don't miss a single joke! And believe me, there are a TON of them.
The book and score from Parker, Stone and Lopez is full of songs that you may be surprised at yourself for wanting to sing(no matter how wrong) long after the show is over. And it's full of jokes that make sure to offend everyone but they're too funny for you to care. Well ok, the two people behind us who left at intermission cared but, that's their problem for not knowing what they were getting into.
Andrew Rannells and Josh Gad are a perfect odd couple pair. They play off of each other hilariously and are great in their quest to bring the story of Joseph Smith to the people of the village. As a team and apart, the two find more to their characters than just the superficial differences to make you want them both to succeed on this mission.
As Nabulungi, the young lady in the village who tries to help the boys with their teaching, Nikki M. James is a sweet girl with a big voice dreaming of something better for her life and that of her fellow villagers. She truly believes that the boys are offering a better way of life to her and her people and does her best to help convince the others.
Rory O'Malley is great as Elder McKinley! When the boys first arrive, he tells them how to deal with their feelings by teaching them to "Turn It Off." It turns into one of many show stopping moments in the show.
Overall I'd have to say, if your easily offended, don't go see the show. You'll just be wasting your money getting pissed off and you won't get a refund. But if you stick it out, you'll realize the show isn't really about offending people at all. There really is a heart at the center of BOM and if you allow yourself to notice it, you'll be pleasantly surprised. And you might pee your pants laughing, in the process! I'm not kidding when I say it might be the funniest musical ever! If you've got the money, I highly recommend it but don't be shocked if you can't get tickets. The performance we were at was packed. And from what I understand, they've all been like that lately.
I'd love to see it win some major Tonys in June! But, that remains to be seen. If I could, I'd certainly vote for it.
Until next time...
