The Tony Award winning ‘The Book of Mormon’ is back at the Majestic Theatre this week and there are still two chances of catching this production. This religious satire musical follows Mormon missionaries Elder Kevin Price and Elder Arnold Cunningham who are sent to Uganda for a two-year mission. It features book, music and lyrics by Trey Parker, Matt Stone and Robert Lopez. Stone and Parker are the creators of South Park and Lopez is one of the composers of Avenue Q. Next show times are Sunday May 6 at 2p.m. and 7:30p.m. Please be aware that it contains explicit language and adult themes.
‘The Book of Mormon’ starts off as the future missionaries are finishing up their training, “Hello!” and are paired off with their partners. Elder Kevin Price’s dream missionary destination is Orlando, but he ends up paired off with Elder Arnold Cunningham “Two By Two,” who is an insecure compulsive liar and sent to Uganda. Upon their arrival the villagers share their experiences of living with famine, poverty and AIDS, “Hasa Diga Eebowai.” Price and Cunningham try to teach them about the Book of Mormon, but they have trouble connecting with the natives because they are more concerned with everyday life than they are about religion. Eventually they meet the other missionaries who are stationed there but have been unable to convert anyone to Mormonism. When Elder Price backs off, Elder Cunningham mans up and ends up converting the village using his own version of the book he has never actually read.
Wednesday’s performance was well received by the audience and most were pleasantly surprised by the “definitely different” show. The laughter began early with the first scene and was constant throughout this irreverent but hilarious production. Kevin Clay and Conner Peirson bring the roles of Elder Price and Elder Cunningham brilliantly to life, but Holmes stands out as the naïve but lovable Cunningham. The highlights of the show include “Man Up” when Cunningham decides to stop being a follower and “Spooky Mormon Hell Dream” when Price dreams he is in hell with Jeffrey Dahmer and Hitler, among others. Despite the adult content and language, ‘The Book of Mormon’ delivers a tale overflowing with good intentions and heart and appeals to audiences not afraid to step outside of their comfort zone and have a good laugh.
SA Examiner 