Book of Mormon: Dirty Jesus Christ on Broadway
by Nicole Koerfgen
Thumbnail: Book of Mormon by Studio Sarah Lou (CC BY 2.0)
The 2 hour 30 minute musical Book of Mormon is about two young missionaries – Elder Price and Elder Cunningham – finding their way through Uganda and spreading the word of the Mormon religion. Upon reaching Africa, they discover that achieving a successful mission is not as straightforward as initially thought. The society they encounter is grappling with the challenges of AIDS, poverty, and violence, adding complexity to their mission.
The stunning, dirty, and mischievous play won 9 Tony Awards, 5 Drama Desk Awards, 4 Outer Critics Circle Awards, 1 Grammy Award, 4 Laurence Olivier Awards, and 2 Helpmann Awards.
It premiered on March 24, 2011, and opens with the famous song "Hello" – a satirical take on Mormon missionaries engaging in door-to-door outreach to propagate their religious convictions and the “secret to eternal life.” Elder Price and Elder Cunningham – played by actors Kevin Clay and Cody Jamison Strand – couldn't be more different: the former is a vibrant and proactive missionary who demonstrates unwavering dedication to his faith. In contrast, his companion, Elder Cunningham, is a socially awkward yet well-intentioned individual whose penchant for embellishing the truth quickly leads him into challenging situations.
The Story of Spooky Mormon Hell Dream Begins
The South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone perfectly matched in heaven with Avenue Q’s Robert Lopez. The three creative and talented musical lovers met in 2003 when Trey and Matt saw the musical Avenue Q. Robert noticed them in the audience and introduced himself. Over a few drinks, the trio finally was sure that their meeting was fate – they admired and found inspiration in each other. The most important common ground and idea: All of them wanted to write a funny and happy-go-lucky stage show about Joseph Smith for years – the founder of Mormonism and the Latter-Day Saint movement in 1830.
The insane comedy is not as explosive as you think: The characters are rich and create a happy tone with an unexpected Hasa Diga Eebowai tearing-up ending. The essence of the All-American prophet story can be transferred to every religion, culture, and faith. The topics of sexuality, poverty, and race are present too. So, I believe, and do you trust? – book your Mormon field trip tickets today and find out where evil doesn’t exist. A little hint: Sal Tlay Ka Siti.
Two By Two: Elders Meet your Elders
The main cast started with Josh Gad as Elder Cunningham, Andrew Rannells as Elder Price, Nikki M. James as Nabulungi, Rory O’Malley as Elder McKinley/Moroni, Michael Potts as Mafala Hatimbi, Lewis Cleale as Price’s Dad/Mission President, Rema Webb as Mrs. Brown, and Brian Tyree Henry as General. In January 2024, the former elders paid the new elders a surprise visit on stage. The audience went wild as Josh Gad and Andrew Rannells continue to be dearly loved by long-time musical goers.
Elders, meet your, *ahem*, elders!
— Gutenberg! The (Best) Musical (Ever) (@GutenbergBwy) January 7, 2024
Thanks for eating dreams with us, @BookofMormon brothers Kevin Clay and Cody Jamison Strand🍽️✨ pic.twitter.com/ac4tWgk6Hp
What next surprise is waiting for you? For sure, they will be Making Things Up Again – watch the funny musical gem with fantastic song-and-dance hits directed by famous composer Stephen Oremus on Broadway in New York. Tomorrow is a Latter Day: Get tickets for your favorite musical seats of “Book of Mormon” now.
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