Review: THE BOOK OF MORMON (2nd National Tour) at The Kentucky Center For The Arts

Candace Quarrels (left) and Cody Jamison Strand (right) in The Book of Mormon. Photo courtesy of Joan Marcus.

The Book of Mormon

Book, Music, and Lyrics by Trey Parker, Matt Stone, and Robert Lopez

Directed by Casey Nicholaw and Trey Parker

Review by Taylor Clemons

Entire contents copyright © 2016 Taylor Clemons. All rights reserved.

They're back!!! That's right! Everyone's favorite blasphemous musical comedy has returned to Louisville. This engagement does indeed mark the second time that the Broadway blockbuster has ventured into Louisville, KY. The first time drew massive crowds of people, and it seems that the Mormons have done it once again.

I feel like I should give a smaller plot summary for this review, mainly because there is so much that shouldn't be spoiled for you. So if you haven't seen the show (what's your damage?), I hope this review might entice you to do so. The show opens in Salt Lake City, UT, and we are introduced to Elder Price (Gabe Gibbs), Elder Cunningham (Cody Jamison Strand), and the other Elders waiting to receive the news of their mission location and mission partners. In an odd turn of events, Elder Price (who by any discernible measure is the Mormon Casanova everyone loves), loses out on his dream location, and gets paired with the clumsy and loud Elder Cunningham. The two are sent to work as missionaries in Uganda, and when they get there, they meet Mafala (Sterling Jarvis) and his daughter Nabulungi (Candace Quarrels). I'll stop here, but let's just say Africa isn't the Disney movie The Lion King made it out to be, and the Elders have a lot of work ahead of them.

Gabe Gibbs and Cody Jamison Strand (Elder Price and Elder Cunningham respectively), are captaining this musical comedy ship in a marvelous fashion. Gibbs is able to portray the "goody goody", without it ever becoming repetitive or annoying. Not to mention he brings an amazing vocal presence to this big belty Broadway score, never sounding strained or tired. While he is technically the "straight man" of the pair, he gets his fair share of laughter and applause, which indeed is rightfully deserved. Playing opposite of Gibbs, Strand is a perfect Elder Cunningham. Everything he touched would turn into comedic gold, even the slightest mannerisms had me hunched over dying of laughter. His voice suits the score and style of the show perfectly. However, certain parts of the show, Strand does gently pull on your heartstrings making you feel for this misfit we adore. Candace Quarrels' Nabulungi is downright delightful. She plays the sweetness and innocence of the character well, but is able to shed some of it away after a marvelous act two duet (no spoilers, remember?). Sterling Jarvis as her father, Mafala is also great here, as somewhat of a guide to Price and Cunningham during their time in Uganda. The character sadly doesn't get his own song, but the snippets and solos we do hear, especially in the 4th song of the show, give us an insight to his top notch vocal ability. I absolutely must give a shout out to Daxton Bloomquist, but again, not wanting to give anything away, can't comment on the context of my comments, but just know he's absolutely hilarious, and is a master in the art of scene stealing; the audience and myself were eating out of the palm of his hand.

The written material of the show itself is the perfect mish-mash of crude humor and the classic Broadway musical. There are many "Easter eggs" throughout the show that pay homage to the musicals that come before it. The book and lyrics are so damn funny, that it almost makes me mad! No, what really makes me mad is how freaking catchy the music is. The show pumps out earworm after earworm that by the end you have a dozen brilliant melodies stuck in your head.

To anyone who might be hesitant to see the show because of content, here's what I have to say to you: Go in with an open mind, don't take yourself too seriously, then enjoy the ride and the overall uplifting message of the story. If there ever was a time to see this show, it's now. The production is as good as ever, and the performances are absolutely top notch.

The Book of Mormon

November 29 - December 4, 2016

Whitney Hall in The Kentucky Center for the Arts

501 W. Main Street

Louisville, KY 40202

(502) 584-7777

https://www.kentuckycenter.org/