I must have been one of the few people left who were yet to see The Book of Mormon musical since it debuted in New York’s Eugene O’Neill Theatre on March 2011.
In the nearly 15 years since, it has won nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical, won more than 30 international awards and played in three continents. Everywhere it has toured, it has left theatre box offices struggling to deal with demand.
Cardiff was no exception on this sticky summer night when Alanis Morrissette was the other big attraction on the other side of the city. Whilst I went into the show largely unawares of what to expect, the one thing I did know was that two of its creators – Trey Parker and Matt Stone (Robert Lopez being the third) – are best known for the irreverent and controversial show South Park.
I was therefore expecting something potty mouthed straight from the off in this comedy caper about two hapless young Mormons but the first three numbers ‘Hello’, ‘Two by Two’ and ‘You and Me (But Mostly Me)’ were anything but. Yes, these openers are clever and witty but given their setting – deep within the confines of the Mormon church – they were inoffensive….saccharine even. So far, so not South Park.
Things swiftly changed however when the musical setting changes to Uganda as the two lead characters of Elder Price and Elder Cunningham, brilliantly played by Adam Bailey and Sam Glen respectively, are despatched there to convert locals to the Church of the Latter Day Saints. Here, where life is much harsher and not remotely sugar-coated, the tone of the musical changes; as does the language. This is shown through the insanely catchy Hasa Diga Eebowai which we are told halfway through the song – and much to the horror of Elders Price and Cunningham who have been singing along – translates as ‘F*** you, God.’
While everything – and I mean everything – is played for laughs, some of the subject matter for comedy can shock. On a couple of occasions, I did question whether I had heard correctly because of the nature of the taboo topics covered in the jokes.
But given the background of creators Parker and Stone, this is not a show you can complain about on the grounds you did not know it would be offensive to some.
The jokes come thick and fast throughout the entire show spanning two-and-a-half hours. Sam Glen steals most of the biggest laughs in the show as the keen outsider with an even keener imagination. Kirk Patterson as Mafala Hatimbi also gets ample opportunity to show his strong comedic side as the father of the determined and idealistic Nabulungi.
As strong as the humour is in this show, it is the songs, musical arrangements and vocals that elevate The Book of Mormon into the top tier of musicals. With numbers like ‘Turn It Off’ and ‘Baptise Me’ it is easy to see why this has garnered all the plaudits and accolades out there. But to truly shine, songs rely upon the talent there to carry them off and this particular cast is blessed with some outstanding singers. Bailey and Nyah Nish in particular excel here.
Believe the hype for The Book of Mormon is a modern-day classic.
Wales Millennium Centre until July 19
