By Ashley Ramsey
I would be lying if I didn’t say I was a little bit nervous as we approached the Eccles. I had heard the music and I heard the rumors but I was about to come face to face with the acclaimed musical, The Book of Mormon. When I told people I was going to the show, I was met with everything from Jack Mormon jokes to actual concern, and of course, the gushing that befalls any musical winning 9 Tonies.
The Book of Mormon tells the story of Elder Price (Gabe Gibbs) and Elder Cunningham (Conner Peirson), two mismatched, yet eager 19-year-olds ready to embark on their LDS Missions. Elder Price, being the all American golden boy, is sure that God will answer his prayers and call him to serve in the most magical place ever, Orlando. When Elder Price and Elder Cunningham are called to serve in Uganda, Elder Price’s perfect mission plans begin to slowly unravel. Combined with a non-baptizing district, a violent warlord, and the poverty and desolation around them, the two elders find themselves discovering things about themselves they never considered before.
Leading this high energy and extremely talented cast, Gibbs and Peirson are perfectly cast in their roles. From the moment Gibbs sets foot on stage with his big cheesy smile and perfectly parted hair, you know who he is. Gibbs does a wonderful job of balancing the humor and cockiness in his role to bring forward a truly lovable character. Peirson’s Cunningham is brilliant. From the comedic timing to his physicality, he has created such a well-rounded and honest character. There is something so familiar about Elder Cunningham. Whether you are him or know him, you can’t help but fall in love with his pure heart and, although misguided, good intentions.
Rounding out the trio of powerhouse leads is Nabulungi (Myha’la Herrold), the sweet, innocent, hopeful villager who becomes the first investigator in their village. Herrold has found a unique balance in the youth and strength of her character. The world around her is a terrifying one, yet unlike the older adults around her, she maintains a kind and unjaded heart. As she pours her heart out to the audience in the song “Sal Tlay Ka Siti” you find that amidst the nightmare of her world she still embraces the hope of good in the world.
It is a rare treat to see a male ensemble as strong in dance as this one and Casey Nicholaw’s choreography is a highlight of the show. From the stylized awkwardness that you would expect from 19-year-old boys, to the passion and rhythm of the African numbers, Nicholaw knows the power of movement in telling the story. The tap number in “Turn It Off” really showcases the skill these actors possess. Highlighted in this number is Utah native and familiar face, ensemble member, Jaron Barney. His clean and precise tap is featured as one of the miked feet in this number. Fans of big Broadway dance number fans will find their cup overflowing in this production.
Scott Pask’s scenic designs are beautiful and poignant from the moment you walk in. From the beautiful scenic backgrounds depicting the heavens and Salt Lake City to the poor village of Uganda, Pask captures the essence and the energy of the production. Most striking as you walk in to the theatre is the beautiful templeinspired proscenium, topped with the Angel Moroni. As the scene changes from colorful Salt Lake to the dark, dingy browns of Uganda, the piercing white and stained glass become a glaring juxtaposition. Combined with Brian MacDevitt’s stunning lighting design, and Ann Roth’s incredible costumes, the show is a visually stunning as it is well acted.
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Is the show crude? Yes. Is it funny? Also, yes. But is it offensive? That’s where things muddy for me. If it were a movie, it would have a solid “R” rating. Sex, violence, language, it is all there. But it is also filled with so much good. I often found myself reflecting on my own spiritual journey and my time as an LDS missionary. I was reminded of all the “Elder Prices” and “Elder Cunninghams” I served with. It reminded me of the sweet, yet rough-around-the-edge wards I served in. Where the less than traditional moments occurred on regular basis, but their hearts were so good.
I laughed as the often glazed over silly things about religion were brought dead center and a spotlight shone on them. It caused me to reflect on who I am in this world and what choices I am making now in the service of my fellow men. While it is everything I expected from the writers of “South Park”, it was so much more and I am grateful for that. There was also the incredible experience of seeing this show in Salt Lake City. Our incredible city serves as a background for much of the story and not a single jab or inside joke was lost on this audience. Often times, the cast had to wait for the thunderous applause and laughter to die down from a regionally themed joke. (Did you know that Salt Lake City isn’t an actual place?)
The Book of Mormon is offering the unique opportunity for a glimpse into another’s perspective. For the LDS community, you get a real good look into how we are perceived and why we are a “peculiar people” to most of the world. For those outside of the LDS religion, it is a small glimpse into a mysterious world. Is the play factual? Not entirely, but no one walking away from this show is going to take it as that. In a lot of ways, it is a perfect show, balanced in comedy and drama, absurdity and reality. Is it everyone’s cup of tea? No. But neither is Oklahoma!. For many of the Salt Lake theatre audience, it’s the perfect time to become an investigator of The Book of Mormon.
Broadway at the Eccles presents The Book of Mormon by Matt Stone, Robert Lopez, and Trey Parker
Delta Hall at the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Theater, Main Street, Salt Lake City, Utah 84111
August 1st – 20th, 2017, with both matinee and evening performances.
Tickets: $35-185
Contact: 385-468-1030
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Thank you for the nice review. As a non-LDS person who grew up in Utah, the play is a little cathartic for me in much the same way as Saturday’s Voyeur has always been. Overall I enjoyed it, but in all honesty I think it’s a little more offensive and mean-spirited than I’d have liked it to be, and I would probably not recommend it to any of my LDS friends because of that. Yet in the end, it is about people who mean well and want to have a positive influence in the world.