'The Book of Mormon' Tour at the Bushnell - A Review

Hartford, CT - “Hello.” THE BOOK OF MORMON tour has stopped at The Bushnell and will run through October 20. The book, music and lyrics for this, well, infamous musical were written by Trey Parker, Robert Lopez (AVENUE Q) and Matt Stone.

The book for THE BOOK OF MORMON follows two young missionaries who are sent to Uganda to try to convert citizens to the Mormon religion. One missionary, Elder Price, is an enthusiastic go-getter with a strong dedication to his faith, while his partner, Elder Cunningham, is a socially awkward but well meaning nerd whose tendency to embroider the truth soon lands him in trouble. Upon their arrival in Africa, Elders Price and Cunningham learn that in a society plagued by AIDS, poverty and violence, a successful mission may not be as easy as they expected….An equal opportunity offender, the show playfully pokes fun at religion, sexuality, poverty and race, while inspiring an after-the-show discussion of religion in general.

I had wanted to see THE BOOK OF MORMON for a long time and I fully expected to enjoy it at least as any other musical. The first person I knew who saw it on Broadway described it as “so bad that it is good.” I knew very little of the plot, but it turns out that there really isn’t much to know. It certainly pokes fun at the Church of Latter Day Saints and there was plenty of irreverence, but I didn’t find it that shocking, nor did I find it very funny.

"I Believe" - Let me be clear that I was not offended by the language or the premise. and there were some parts that were quite clever. The singing of the often clever music was wonderful and the actors made the most of their roles. On reflection, I think I may have expected more...of what I am not sure.

"You and Me (But Mostly Me)" - I was shocked that my 21-year-old driver, who was very excited to see this work by the creators of the animated comedy SOUTH PARK, at intermission felt pretty much the same way; I probably enjoyed most of the musical numbers more than he did.

Liam Tobin, who was part of the Broadway cast of THE BOOK OF MORMON, mastered the big smile of Elder Price. Jordan Matthew Brown, who joined the tour straight from Broadway company of the show, was a standout in the role of the schlubby Elder Cunningham.

I could not get enough of the lovely Alyah Chanell Scott (who has appeared at the CT Rep at UConn Storrs) in the role of Nabulungi; hearing Elder Cunningham mangle her character’s name was an especially fun running gag.

Andy Huntington Jones covered the roles of Elder McKinley and the ancient Moroni. Jacques C. Smith was Mafala Hatimbi, Sean Seymour appeared as Price’s dad in this performance and had a great wig for the role of Joseph Smith and the Mission President. Corey Jones’ performance as the evil General was big enough for the role.

The racially diverse members of the ensemble had a whole lot to do, innumerable costume changes, lots of dancing and everyone seemed to be enjoying every minute. Kudos to one and all on some wonderful dancing.

The scenery designed by Scott Pask was pretty impressive no matter the continent and the costumes designed by Ann Roth could not have been more diverse or more realistic; that goes double for the hair design of Josh Marquette. Some pretty inspired and often encompassed the entire Bushnell. Andrew Graham was the able music director.

The interesting and effective choreography was done by Casey Nicholaw and Mr. Nicholaw and Trey Parker directed.

I was glad to have checked this musical off my list of shows to see with this professional touring production and recommend it to those who are interested in checking out a most unique musical that is one of the most successful musicals of all time. "Tomorrow Is a Latter Day"

October 15 - 20
Tickets: bushnell.org/TheBookofMormon

Nancy Sasso Janis, writing theatre reviews since 2012 as a way to support local venues, posts well over 100 reviews each year. In 2016, her membership in the Connecticut Critics Circle began and her contributions of theatrical reviews, previews, and audition notices are posted not only in the Naugatuck Patch but also on the Patch sites closest to the venue. Follow the reviewer on her Facebook pages Nancy Sasso Janis: Theatre Reviewer and Connecticut Theatre Previews and on Twitter @nancysjanis417 Check out the NEW CCC Facebook page.
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