BWW Reviews: THE BOOK OF MORMON Arrives at the Majestic

HELLO! My name is Sister Privratsky, and I would like to share with you the most amazing musical.

The Book of Mormon, the religious satire musical written by Trey Parker, Matt Stone (the creators and writers of South Park), and Robert Lopez (Avenue Q) has given the national tour its latest missionary assignment: The Majestic Theatre in San Antonio, Texas.

The musical has been a smash hit on Broadway since it opened in 2011 and it swept the Tony Awards, winning nine of the prized trophies. I have tried numerous times to secure tickets to the show when I've been visiting New York City, but they are a hot ticket. When Broadway Across America announced the Majestic Theatre's 2013-2014 season in January and The Book of Mormon topped the schedule, I literally jumped for joy.

This week, the musical opened in San Antonio. The audience was abuzz with excitement. As part of the season subscription, I wondered how many people in attendance were aware of what they were getting themselves into regarding the "strong" content of the show. It seemed, however, that most everyone was ready for a night of music, laughs, and a bit of gasp-inducing shock.

The Book of Mormon delivered. Led by a talented and flashy cast (helmed by Mark Evans as Elder Price and Christopher John O'Niell as Elder Cunningham), the original musical depicts an accurate (?) if not exaggerated life of young Mormon men on their rite of passage of a mission to Uganda, a country of turmoil, fear, and strife - quite a culture shock to the well-groomed young men from Utah who are determined to bring the Ugandan people to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Be forewarned - this musical is not for those sensitive to vulgar language and humor. If you have ever seen an episode of South Park, you have a good idea of what you will experience at The Book of Mormon - except that in a staged musical, the FCC isn't around to censor you. Basically, leave the children at home.

To the non-believer, it is hilarious and ludicrous that a religion is built upon the story of Joseph Smith. However, in the end, we all learn a valuable lesson - it does not matter in what or how you believe. If it gives you hope and makes you happy, who is anyone to judge your beliefs? Go forth and be happy.

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