The Book of Mormon on Broadway

I’ll admit that I personally wrestled a bit with how to write a review on the Broadway play “The Book of Mormon.”  The play was REALLY funny!

It was also EXTREMELY offensive and went WAY TOO FAR in my opinion for a few of the songs and yet it had redemptive qualities along the way too.

Ben Brantley of The New York Times calls it “the best musical of this century.” Entertainment Weekly says it’s “the funniest musical of all time.” From South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, it’s The Book of Mormon, winner of nine Tony Awards® including Best Musical. Jon Stewart of The Daily Show calls it “a crowning achievement. So good it makes me angry.”

I knew going into it that the play would be offensive because of the creators. South Park is known for making fun of EVERYONE. The first few songs were squeaky clean so I was beginning to think that maybe it wouldn’t be that offensive and then there was the next song. There were several elements that were humorous and also challenged me because of growing up with a religious background.  Especially, how sometimes people with great intentions can view people as a project to convert versus loving them as they are first.

Many elements of the storyline were lighthearted and sweet but also there were moments where it went to an EXTREME to make a point.

The two main characters were perfect for their roles. Mark Evans, who played the aspiring Mormon super missionary, Elder Price and Christopher John O’Neil who played the adorable and goofy Elder Cunningham.