Main Book of Mormon London – A Must-Read!
Those fortunate enough to secure a ticket to the spectacular show, hailed as one of the most emotionally-stirring performances in recent times, might expect to spend an evening basking in British liberalism while scoffing at perceived absurdities of dogmatic Americans and organised religion. However, be prepared to have your expectations thoroughly defied. ‘The Book of Mormon’ surpasses these superficial assumptions with genius panache, portraying the subject with a depth of understanding and compassion that leaves one pleasantly astounded.
The Unique Appeal of the Book of Mormon
It’s not a mere evening of satirical comedy; ‘The Book of Mormon’ resonates more profoundly. Its far-reaching intellect and kindness, along with its impeccable finesse, allow the audience to discover a more nuanced understanding of the subject matter. Its brilliance lies in its ability to transcend mere caricature and delve into the heart and soul of the characters it portrays, offering insights that go beyond the obvious stereotypes.
- Not a conventional show aimed at deriding faith or culture;
- Delivers unexpected layers of depth and understanding;
- Transcends satire to touch an emotional chord.
The Unexpected Sentiment it Inspires
What is truly astonishing about this masterful performance is the unlikely affection it engenders for its subjects – the Mormons. One of the many surprising outcomes of the show is the emotional journey it takes you on, leading to an inexplicable endearment towards this religious group. The audience members find themselves leaving the theatre with a strange sense of fondness, their hearts filled with unexpected empathy and admiration for the Mormons.
A Compelling Musical Journey
The first revelation that hits you right at the start of The Book of Mormon is the sheer brilliance of its musical score. The opening track, “Hello!”, immediately captivates you as it ushers you into the intriguing world of the Mormons. Presented with a catchy tune that’s reminiscent of classic musical numbers such as “Fugue for Tinhorns” from Guys and Dolls, this introductory song sets the mood for an entertaining journey. The allure of the music doesn’t end there; it keeps escalating, ensuring an immersive experience as the story unfolds.
The genius behind the musical wonder is none other than Robert Lopez, the man who gifted us Avenue Q. He takes you on a musical expedition, blending different styles with graceful dexterity. The choreography by co-director Casey Nicholaw complements the music perfectly, creating a harmonious presentation:
- A melange of varying musical theatre styles, from tap and swing to jive and schmaltz;
- Skillful use of diverse musical elements like popera, slapstick, anthem, ballad, and lament;
- A seamless blend of distinct musical genres, effortlessly transitioning from saccharine liebster to Tin Pan Alley, and high disco to Africa-naif.
A Thought-Provoking Narrative
The engaging story is the brainchild of Trey Parker and Matt Stone, renowned creators of South Park and Team America: World Police. It offers a penetrating exploration of the world of Mormons with an intelligent use of humor.
The narrative skillfully walks the line between being challenging and scatological. It tactfully plays with the notion of ‘recreational offence’, whereby the narrative could potentially offend only those who actively seek to take umbrage. It offers a balanced portrayal of the Mormon church’s principles, showing them with due reverence rather than derision. It also cleverly allows the tenets themselves to lend a comedic element to the narrative.
A Story that Makes a Point
The show doesn’t shy away from presenting some eccentric beliefs purportedly held by the Mormons, such as the Jews sailing to America before Columbus or a third Bible buried by American angels. However, the sharp wit of the narrative cleverly uses these unorthodox beliefs to underscore a larger point. Even if these stories seem outlandish, one can’t ignore the fact that they serve a more significant purpose, as encapsulated in a song near the show’s climax – “It’s just a bunch of made-up stuff, but it points towards something bigger.”
Journey to Unchartered Territories
Moving on with our narrative, we find our protagonists, one an overconfident social favorite and the other a lovable, eager devotee in awe of his more charismatic partner. They are shipped off to serve as religious representatives, not in a picture-perfect location, but in the heart of Uganda. Their goal, albeit naive, is to spread their faith and gain recognition for their good deeds. However, life in Uganda is a stark contrast to Salt Lake City. Their first encounter in Africa is an unadorned residence, the front door lacking even a basic doorbell and covered in filth.
Hard Realities and Cultural Clash
The brutal reality of life in Africa is a rude awakening for our missionaries. The set design depicting the harsh living conditions – from murky huts to the stench of garbage-filled drains and smoke from tire fires – perfectly sets the stage for the culture shock that awaits our Utah emigrants.
The opening musical number in Africa, which initially seems like a carefree acceptance of life’s unpredictability, soon escalates to a stark commentary on the severe issues plaguing the region from HIV/AIDS, child assault, malaria to abject poverty. The lyrics cleverly evolve, becoming progressively clearer and humorously darker.
Stellar Performances and Memorable Moments
The performance is littered with standout moments. Among them is the impeccable delivery of various complex musical numbers. One that stands out is when Elder Price, the handsome and charismatic Mormon, fittingly belts out the song “I Believe,” addressing controversial religious milestones within the rhythm of the tune.
Similarly, the musical number “Spooky Mormon Hell Dream?” features fantastical villains from Hitler to Ghengis Khan, alongside infamous figures like Jeffrey Dahmer and Robert Kardashian, all in an impressive choreography.
The vocal prowess of the cast, comprising Gavin Creel as Elder Price, Jared Gertner as Elder Cunningham, and Alexia Khadime as Nabulungi, is nothing short of spectacular. The narrative also cleverly features elements of humor, such as the consistent mispronunciation of Nabulungi’s name by the American characters.
Thought-Provoking Ideologies and the Power of Belief
Perhaps the most significant element of the show is its message about faith. Despite the hilarity and satire, the show underscores the transformative power of belief, even when it appears irrational.
The musical number “Turn It Off” encapsulates this, ingeniously weaving together the themes of honesty, sexuality, and faith. Despite the outlandish religious notion that being gay is a sin, it demonstrates the importance of holding onto beliefs, however misguided they might seem.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ‘The Book of Mormon’ is not just a theatrical masterpiece but also an intellectual journey, presenting a captivating blend of humour and intense themes. By challenging norms and triggering introspection through entertaining musical numbers, it offers a unique perspective on faith and belief. The narrative skillfully balances satire with sensitive portrayals, delivering an experience that’s both enjoyable and thought-provoking. It’s an enlightening exploration of culture, faith, and the human spirit, making it more than just a musical – it’s an unforgettable experience. If you enjoy deep, emotionally charged stories like this you’ll likely appreciate “The Commitments”