author: Charles Boyington & Steven Kirkpatrick

 

How is it possible that a show which revels in profane shock words and satirical (even blasphemous) humor, is simultaneously one of the sweetest, most life-affirming and faith-affirming shows you will ever see? How is it possible that every jab of satire is matched with such lovely, uplifting charm that you’ll be cheering and swaying along with Elder Price, ready to affirm too, that “I Believe!” – if not specifically in the Book of Mormon, then in something much greater than nihilistic disbelief.

If you have seen this astonishingly unlikely musical about hapless Mormon missionaries in war-torn Africa before, see it again on tour. If you haven’t, and are not easily offended, you should see this show. Let your inner 12 yr old revel in the soft naughtiness and laugh, while the adult appreciates the more profound messages. The Book of Mormon has been playing for 15 years on Broadway, but I am not sure that if it were that it could have opened on Broadway today.

The original Broadway production swept the Tony Awards that year: Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, Best Original Score, Best Direction, Best Orchestrations, Best Featured Actress, Best Scenic Design, Best Lighting Desing and Best Sound Design and nominations for Actor (2), Featured Actor, Choreography and Costumes. The current tour features a few updates to the script and music, and the choreography feels fresh and extremely crisp and energetic!

The book and lyrics by Trey Parker, Robert Lopez and Matt Stone tell the story of two young Mormon missionaries setting out on their two-year commitment to recruit new members who get assigned to Uganda (at least one was hoping for Orlando). They are a mismatched pair: Elder Kevin Price is a popular, natural leader and has grown accustomed to being the best and getting everything he wants if he prays and works hard enough. But he is paired with Elder Arnold Cunningham, a natural follower who has never had a friend and has never bothered to read the Book of Mormon. However Elder Cunningham is thrilled to be going anywhere with Elder Price.

The situation in Uganda is far worse than they imagine and their task to baptize the locals appears to be insurmountable, as attested to by the other Mormon missionaries that they meet there. There is also a corrupt gang lead by “The General” who wants to circumcise all the women in the village, and it seems almost all the locals have AIDS and there is at least one case of someone with maggots in their scrotum. But remember, this is a musical comedy! Elder Price will lose his way, and Elder Cunningham will have to rise to the occasion, right? Throw in a beautiful native girl and finally we have the building blocks of a Musical!

The musical does have some not-so-subtle messages about religion, politics, hypocrisy, and what it takes to be a good person. It also has some catchy tunes and amazingly strong ballads. However, if you think you hate musicals, then there is the typical Trey Parker humor. The comedy is both situational and at times very juvenile. Yes, they use dirty words for humor. Yes, they use sex for humor. They poke gentle fun of Mormons, because they are so gosh darn nice! Don’t bring anyone under the age of 12 or just leave the kids at home and enjoy yourself!

Say what you will about the content, but this show is a musical theatre spectacle in the best sense, and the show creators really know how to write a love-letter to the great Broadway hits that came before. Whether it’s the show stopping Chorus-Line number of “Turn It Off”, led beautifully by Sean Casey Flanagan’s Elder McKinley, or the nod to Les Misérables in “Man Up”, or the nod to The King and I’s “Small House of Uncle Thomas” in “Joseph Smith American Moses” musical theatre lovers are sure to appreciate the extra layer of love and attention that goes into making this phenomenal show. 

Even though this is apparently a non-Equity tour, the performances are rock solid. The cast is young, energetic and extremely professional. Ethan Davenport recently took over the role of Elder Price, and his enthusiasm is nearly impossible to match. He found an innocence to the character that I had not seen before. His singing voice is great and his athleticism is intense. We will be hearing a lot more from Davenport in the future I have no doubt.

Likewise, Jacob Aune has recently taken over the role of Elder Cunningham and –bless his little heart– he seems to have been born to play this role. He sings, he dances, he convincingly makes up little stories that just makes him so endearing! Which is much better than just feeling sorry for him, as could be the case with such a role. Aune gets this guy, he’s not terrible or sad, he just hasn’t found a place where he fits in yet.

Charity Arianna plays our ingenue, recently taking over the role of Nabulungi, and gives the character so much depth and warmth! Her vocals will knock you out of the park! In a sad and depressing world, she is looking for hope and love and finds it all in these two white boys from America. She is reluctant at first but is won over by her own need to believe that there is something better to come. Arianna is another rising star to keep an eye, that much is certain!

Other notable performances include Jarius Miquel Cliett as Nabulungi’s overprotective (for good reason) father, Shafiq Hicks as the General who manages to portray someone who is terrifying and hysterical simultaneously. Some of the best comic moments of the show belong to Jay Martin who plays the village doctor and has the timing of genius and the vocals to match! Craig Franke brings a wholesome wisdom to his character of Elder McKinley who is facing his trials in Uganda like he faces his repressed homosexual feelings – with a smile and a song! Seriously, how this cast of Mormons can smile for so long is beyond me, my face hurt just from watching them, but then I realized I was smiling and laughing so hard as well.

The sets, lights and costumes are great for a touring show. The show has been on the road since 2022, but everything looks fresh and the timing of the cues was impeccable.

It doesn’t matter if you have seen it before or were just quietly curious, go see The Book of Mormon at the National Theatre! We all need a good laugh and a feel-good night at the theatre! “Hasa Diga Eebowai!”

Running Time: Approximately 2 hours and 30 mins with one intermission.

The Book of Mormon plays through May 3^rd 2026 with Broadway at The National— 1321 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004. For tickets call the box office at (202) 628-6161 or purchase them online.

 

THE BOOK OF MORMON North American tour Photo by Julieta Cervantes