The Book of Mormon 

3rd - 28th December 2024

The Alexandra Theatre

Birmingham

‘Satire, Songs and Soulful Surprises!’

Anne Garefino, Important Musicals LLC, Sonia Friedman Productions, Roger Berlind, Jean Doumanian, Stephanie P. McClelland, Jon B. Platt, Robert G. Bartner, Tulchin Bartner Productions and Stuart Thompson present ‘The Book of Mormon.’ Book, Music and Lyrics by Trey Parker, Robert Lopez and Matt Stone.

The Book of Mormon is a satirical musical comedy created by Trey Parker, Matt Stone (the creators of South Park), and Robert Lopez (co-creator of Avenue Q and Frozen). Premiering on Broadway in 2011, the show follows the misadventures of two young Mormon missionaries sent to Uganda to spread their faith. Faced with a village plagued by poverty, violence, and disease, the earnest missionaries grapple with cultural clashes and the absurdities of their own beliefs. With sharp humour, catchy songs, and irreverent commentary, the musical cleverly critiques organized religion, faith, and human resilience while maintaining an underlying message of hope and community. Its bold, provocative approach has made it a critical and commercial success, earning nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

The main moral of The Book of Mormon is that while organized religion and its doctrines may be flawed or absurd, faith and stories can still serve as powerful tools for bringing people together, inspiring hope, and fostering positive change. The musical suggests that the true value of religion lies not in strict adherence to dogma but in its ability to motivate individuals to address real-world problems with compassion, creativity, and determination. It emphasizes that human connection and kindness can transcend cultural and ideological differences.

The main character of The Book of Mormon is Elder Kevin Price (Adam Bailey), a devout and ambitious young Mormon missionary who dreams of being sent to Orlando, Florida, for his mission. Confident to the point of arrogance, Elder Price initially struggles to connect with both his eccentric mission companion, Elder Cunningham (Sam Glen), and the challenges of life in an Ugandan village. Over the course of the musical, his idealism is tested, forcing him to confront his beliefs and grow in humility. Despite his flaws, Elder Price’s journey highlights themes of resilience, self-discovery, and the importance of teamwork and empathy.

Elder Kevin Price, is supported by Elder Arnold Cunningham, his quirky and socially awkward missionary companion. Elder Cunningham is eager to please but has a tendency to embellish stories, which eventually leads to unexpected consequences. Despite their differences, Cunningham’s creativity and kind-hearted nature complement Price’s disciplined but rigid approach, and together they learn to navigate the challenges of their mission. Additionally, Nabulungi (Nyah Nish), a hopeful and optimistic Ugandan villager, supports them by believing in their message and inspiring change in her community, becoming a key ally in their journey.

Special mention to Nyah Nish who delivers a standout performance as Nabulungi, bringing depth and charm to a role that contrasts the musical’s otherwise sharp and satirical tone. Her portrayal captures the character’s innocence and hopeful spirit while infusing humour and humanity into scenes that could otherwise feel overwhelming due to the surrounding crude comedy. Notable is her rendition of “Sal Tlay Ka Siti,” a blend of heartfelt emotion and comedic nuance that resonates as a high point of the production. This balance allows her character to serve as a grounding presence amidst the show’s outrageous humour and over-the-top storytelling.

The stage set of is designed to complement the show’s blend of satire, humour, and heartfelt storytelling. It transitions seamlessly between various locations, including the missionaries’ training centre in Utah, a remote Ugandan village, and the grandiose celestial vision of Mormon heaven. The set features vivid backdrops, such as a stylized map of the world, a brightly coloured temple façade, and a run-down village, each rendered with exaggerated details that echo the show’s playful tone. Clever use of props, lighting, and moving pieces allows for dynamic scene changes that keep the action fluid and engaging. The visual design underscores the contrast between the pristine idealism of the missionaries and the harsh realities of the villagers, creating a visually striking and immersive experience for the audience.

The lighting and visual effects in the play a crucial role in enhancing the show’s humour and emotional depth. Bright, cheerful lighting underscores the optimism and naivety of the missionaries, while darker, muted tones reflect the struggles of the Ugandan villagers. Dynamic spotlights and vibrant colours bring energy to the musical numbers, particularly in fantasy sequences like “Spooky Mormon Hell Dream,” which features dramatic lighting shifts and surreal imagery. Projections and subtle effects, such as glowing celestial backdrops and flickering fires, add depth and texture, creating a visually captivating experience that complements the show’s satirical yet heartfelt tone.

The musical contains explicit content that may not be suitable for all audiences. Its humour is bold, often relying on profanity, sexual innuendos, and crude jokes to deliver its satirical commentary. Several scenes feature shocking or provocative language, including graphic discussions of taboo topics like AIDS, genital mutilation, and sexual violence, often presented in an exaggerated and comedic manner. The show also includes irreverent references to sacred religious figures and practices, which may offend those with strong faith-based sensitivities. While these elements are intended to underscore the absurdity of certain social and cultural issues, they can be jarring or uncomfortable for viewers unaccustomed to such humour.

The Book of Mormon is recommended to anyone who enjoys sharp satire, bold humour, and high-energy musical theatre. Its clever writing, catchy songs, and talented cast make it a highly entertaining experience. However, it’s worth noting that the show’s humour is irreverent and often provocative, tackling sensitive topics like religion and cultural stereotypes with a satirical edge. For those open to its bold style, the musical offers a unique blend of comedy and heartfelt storytelling, delivering both laughs and meaningful messages about faith, resilience, and human connection.

“A hilariously irreverent journey of faith, friendship, and finding hope in the unlikeliest places!”

The Book of Mormon is currently at The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham until 28th December 2024; tickets are available direct from the box office or online at www.atgtickeys.com

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