This past Sunday, The Book of Mormon swept the Tonys, winning an impressive 9 awards, including Best Musical. Over the past few months, it has become one of the most talked about Broadway musicals in recent memory. It's success and buzz could be traced to a few different factors: for one thing, it's masterminded by South Park creators Trey Parker & Matt Stone, along with Robert Lopez, one of the writers of previous Broadway smash hit, Avenue Q. The other factor is that of controversy; not only does it spoof religion head-on, always a touchy subject, but it also features a lot of foul language, something not quite common in big hit musicals. However, the main reason it's become so widely discussed is quite basic; it's simply a fantastically funny musical with wonderful songs and countless laughs.
The story follows Elder Price (played by Andrew Rannells), an overly ambitious Mormon who wants to change the world and spread his religion, as he is teamed up with the more bumbling, crude Elder Cunningham (played by Josh Gad) to go on their Mormon mission. They are in for a surprise, however, when they are sent to a small village in Uganda, which is being run by a cruel warlord and filled with people who serious problems and blame God for them. Elder Price and Elder Cunningham must work towards bringing religion to Uganda while sorting out their own personal problems, and the results are both funny and thoughtful.
The songs of The Book of Mormon succeed in both moving the plot forward and just being plain catchy to the point where you'll be humming them for days afterward. Opening number, "Hello!" is a cheery march whose melody features clever use of classic call-and-answer and a doorbell. "You and Me (But Mostly Me)" is a stirring duet between Price & Cunningham, that both describes the core of the characters and features a gorgeous harmony between the two. "Hasa Diga Eebowai" introduces the Ugandans and their philosophy of life, summed up in the titular phrase, which is jaw-dropping yet darkly funny. "All-American Prophet" is a Music Man style number that also acts as a lesson in Mormon history. "Sal Tlay Ka Siti" is the show's equivalent of a Disney Princess song, with Ugandan villager Nabulungi (played by Nikki M. James, who also won a Tony for her role) expressing her dream to move to a better place. "Man Up", the Act I closer, goes from a gentle ballad to an '80s style rock number to a first act medley in just over four minutes. "I Believe", which was performed by Rannells at the Tonys, is a stirring number that both pokes fun at Mormons, yet pays respect to them at the same time; a key element of the show. Everything wraps up wonderfully with "Tomorrow Is A Latter Day", which sends out a surprisingly inspiring and heartfelt message.
The Book of Mormon is certainly not for everyone; if you're easily offended by foul language or poking fun at religion, this show probably won't amuse you. However, it can't be denied how strong the songs are. They're immediately infectious and will definitely stick with you for a while. It only helps that the story and message are so effective as well. Amidst all the crude humor, the show actually has some very meaningful ideas about religion and people who devote their life to it. It's a show that hits hard with it's humor, songs and message, which put together makes for an endlessly enjoyably listening experience.
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