Trey Parker and Matt Stone of “South Park” fame have created a hilarious, heart-warming musical that has taken Broadway by storm. Since opening at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre on Broadway in March 2011, “The Book of Mormon” has made its way to the Prince of Wales Theatre in London and is currently touring the United States. Having attended six performances, I can testify to the show’s charm, intrigue and ruthless humor, which combine to make it enlightening, entertaining and enjoyable.
“The Book of Mormon” tells the story of an ambitious, worldly young Mormon named Kevin Price who has been paired with Arnold Cunningham, a geeky, average kid with a habit of making things up in order to fit in with his peers. Their two-year mission to Uganda to convert the locals is portrayed as a satirical religious journey, which proves enlightening for both. Their experiences reveal an unexpected deeper meaning of faith, and over time a bond of friendship develops between the unlikely pair.
The Prince of Wales Theatre in London, where the show currently resides, hosted my two favorite performances of “The Book of Mormon.” I attended the show for the first time at this theatre, and it has been only a matter of days since I saw it there for a second time. Gavin Creel provides a thoughtful, enthusiastic portrayal of Price, while Jared Gertner perfectly embodies the essence of Cunningham, playing his character exactly how I imagine the show’s creators envisioned him. The entire London cast is phenomenal. Their performance is energetic and at the same time effortless, while the characters are portrayed passionately and with the perfect degree of ridiculousness.
The exquisite acting complements the flawless dancing and choreography of the many musical numbers. From the sassy, loveable, modern-day dance displayed in “Two By Two” to the mildly offensive, tribal-looking dance moves in “Hasa Diga Eebowai,” each musical number is a delight. Every song combines hilarious lyrics with provocative dance moves, leaving tears streaming from one’s eyes. With each cast member a talented dancer, actor and singer, the musical numbers are unique and entertaining. The rustic sets depicting Uganda and the creative costumes add to the spectacle.
Before attending “The Book of Mormon,” one should be aware that the content is mildly offensive. Its attitude toward certain social issues and themes could prove troublesome for those with strong views on religion, race, sexuality and profanity. There are definite cultural differences in audience members’ responses to the show. It speaks mainly to young adults, and London audiences seem to appreciate its humor more so than do those in the U.S. The show’s provocative nature makes it revolutionary and inspiring, as the offensive language, gestures and content contribute to its uniqueness and its success.
In my opinion, “The Book of Mormon” is the most enjoyable show on Broadway. It is two hours of tastefully offensive content and non-stop laughter, and it is the perfect way to spend the evening in London’s iconic Leicester Square. Since most shows are sold out the day of the performance, booking tickets in advance is highly recommended.
