Book of Mormon National Tour - Orlando

[florida theatre kid]

Posted: 11/1/13 at 8:08am

After seeing the Original Broadway Cast in November 2011, I was able to see the tour on Halloween last night. The first time I saw the show remains one of the most exciting theatrical experiences for me as an audience member, and I was nervous if the second time around wouldn't be as spectacular.

Well, I was reminded just how incredible this show is. After debuting over 2 and a half years ago, and now touring for 15 months, the show and cast remain fresh as ever. Mark Evans and Christoper John O'Neill are making Price and Cunningham their own. Both were spectacular. Samantha Marie Ware is incredible as Nabalungi and Grey Henson has the audience in the palm of his hand as Elder McKinley. The whole ensemble brought so much energy and life to the show. I sat front row last night, and this is a show I loved being up close for.

The audience went crazy every time Orlando was mentioned. I did lotto knowing it was Halloween, which was a pretty smart choice as there were maybe 40 people there. I've heard it's been nearing 100 just about every other night it's been here.

The Book of Mormon still remains a special, special show.

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 11/1/13 at 9:55am

Good to know. I last saw the 1NT when it was Mark Evans and Chris O'Neill's first weekend. Glad to know they're holding up! I'd LOVE to see it in Orlando.

[Wynbish]

Posted: 11/1/13 at 10:19am

Yay Grey!

[theatregeek6]

Posted: 11/1/13 at 11:56am

Was there last might too and have to Agee. Seeing Mormon in Orlando was a unique experience with the crowd reaction. The cast was excellent, Evens and O'neill were very strong. Evens also did a phenomenal job of the BCEFA curtain speech , having way more fun with it than I have seen on tour. And of course, we got a final "Orlando" on his way out!

[JohnyBroadway]

Posted: 11/1/13 at 2:33pm

Grey is such a charm!

[Magicslugs]

Posted: 11/1/13 at 10:01pm

Is it still good on bway

[OperaBwayLover]

Posted: 11/1/13 at 11:40pm

What are they doing for BCEFA? Just curious since they were in New Orleans last week. I love donating when I can.

[theatregeek6]

Posted: 11/2/13 at 11:16am

Aprons for 20. Signed poster for 100. Tote bag. (Don't remember how much)

[adamgreer]

Posted: 11/10/13 at 3:53pm

Finally caught up to this tour here in O-Town.

I saw the Book of Mormon one time previously- it was the original Broadway cast, shortly after its opening. Mormon fever was at its height, and there was so much buzz surrounding the show that I think I was expecting the second coming of musical theater. I left somewhat disappointed. I thought parts of it were clever, but didn't quite understand the hype. In particular, I found Josh Gad wholly unappealing.

Since then, I always wondered if my expectations for the show were too high. Fast forward to now, when the tour came down here to Orlando. I decided to give the show another chance, this time going with no expectations, expecting to once again be let down.

I enjoyed the show a great deal more this time. I found it clever, and quite funny. The cast on the tour was uniformly strong. I had understudies for Price and Nabalungi, both of whom were very, very good. I Believe is a great song, though I can imagine it must be an overused audition song for tenors by now. I'm glad I returned, as I had a wonderful time. I still don't think it's a "brilliant" musical, but it's very catchy and quite clever.

On a side note, I was disheartened to hear in the audience how many people thought they added the whole Orlando plot just for this stop of the tour. Really, people? They rewrite major portions of the show in every city? Really?

[ArtMan]

Posted: 11/10/13 at 4:03pm

I also was kind of disappointed when I first saw it in NYC, I think because of the hype. I plan to see it again when it comes to Jacksonville. Has the lottery there been regularly busy as floridatheatrekid mentioned?

[Alioschmitz]

Posted: 11/10/13 at 7:31pm

I was there for the Friday night and Saturday matinee lotteries. Friday had at least 100 people entering if not 150. Saturday had about 60. I was lucky enough to have been put on the standby list for the Saturday matinee (a sold-out performance) and as the only single on the list, I received the last ticket in the entire Bob Carr.
The entire cast is excellent. Samantha Ware was out for the matinee yesterday and Carole Denise Jones went on. If you have the chance to see her, she's phenomenal. JR Bruno was also out and Trevor Leaderbrand,who's an FSU grad, went on for his track. Having the chance to see it in Orlando was incredible. Even with an older audience, like the one I was in, there were lots of laughs. There were quite a few young people who I met yesterday who had traveled to see the tour specifically in Orlando and had dressed up for the occasion.