This might seem hard to believe, but there was a time when it wasn't all that difficult to get a ticket to The Book of Mormon. During the it's month long preview process, it was actually on TKTS a number of times. It wasn't until the show officially opened to glowing reviews that tickets became impossible to come by.
Since I try not to see shows until they open, this left me not seeing The Book of Mormon for a very long time. I have still not seen the show on Broadway. As a Christmas present my father bought my husband and I tickets to see the national tour when it stopped at The Boston Opera House.
The Book of Mormon tells the story of two young Mormon missionaries on their two year long quest to convert others in a small town in Uganda to the Mormon faith. I'm not going to go into greater detail about what happens, because if you've seen the show than you know, and if you haven't seen the show I'm not going to be the one to spoil the jokes for you.
I found a lot of the jokes funnier the day after I saw the show rather than while I was watching it. Now that I know what to expect, I'd like to see it again. I think I may enjoy it a bit more upon a second viewing. The cast of the national tour is very talented.
As Elder Price, Mark Evens is wonderful. He is charming, and arrogant at the same time. He gives Elder Price a likability that fights against his natural selfishness. Samantha Marie Ware as Nabalungi has a beautiful voice that belts to the rafters. She is able to play innocence and worldliness at the same time. Grey Henson steals quite a few scenes as Elder McKinley, and his tap dancing skills are fabulous! Christopher John O'Neill is doing his best as Elder Cunnigham, however it's difficult not to feel at times as though he is doing his best Josh Gad impression. Some of his characterization feels forced and unnatural.
Trey Parker and Casey Nicholaw have done an impeccable job as co-directors. Every scene is brilliantly staged and the Choreography is some of the best Casey Nicholaw has ever done. Scott Pask's set design is functional as well as tongue in cheek. Ann Roth and Brian MacDevitt have both designed spectacular costume and lighting plots, respectfully.
If you have not seen The Book of Mormon, I do not recommend seeing the show with your parents, unless you have a very special and open relationship. I also would not recommend bringing anyone under the age of 16 unless you really don't care what your kids see or hear.
The Book of Mormon is currently running on Broadway at the Eugene O'Neill theater. It is also out on tour and playing an extended sit down engagement in Chicago. The London production just opened to ecstatic reviews and smashed box office records.
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