The Book of Mormon Can be a Shocking Good Time
–by Ashley Cox
One of the key aspects of my personality is that I research everything whether it be the customer reviews of a possible new area rug or the etymology of a new word heard in a podcast. On Tuesday for the opening night of “The Book of Mormon” it became clear to me that many of The Fabulous Fox’s routine theatergoers may not have this trait.
The most important piece of background information about “The Book of Mormon” is that two of the three creators are also the creators of the hit adult cartoon “South Park.” Trey Parker and Matt Stone, much like another popular “Family Guy” creator Seth MacFarlane, have a deep love of musicals and Broadway. While MacFarlane has been largely tempered by network television, Parker and Stone have never had to reign in their language and topics at Comedy Central or forays into the silver screen. The movie “South Park: Bigger, Longer, and Uncut” barely skated in with an “R” rating due to its language.
All this to say, if you are easily shocked this is not the musical for you.
The audience seated around me had hearty laughs turned into shocked gasps as the main characters Elder Price (played by Sam McLellan), and Elder Cunninham (the show stealing Sam Nackman), finally made it to their mission trip to an unnamed Ugandan village. Lamont J. Whitaker’s Mafala Hatimbi and the villager ensemble sing “Hasa Diga Eebowai” which is meant to roughly translate to “F*ck You, God.” It is also the first time I have seen the middle finger and the word “C*nt” so joyfully bantered around by people who are not Australian. Intermission brought up house lights and conversations if “everyone was comfortable staying?” I did not see anyone leave.
Keke Nesbitt as Nabalungi was the standout vocal talent of the cast. She made the comedic lyrics poignant and touching, showcasing the naivety of a young girl trying to save her community while wanting to learn about the world at large. Lars Hafell and Jarret Martin grabbed my eye from the missionary and villager ensembles, respectively. Jarret’s dancing was captivating.
Along with adult language, you will encounter a lot of heavy topics hidden within satirical tropes. In 2020, the current and former black cast members requested villagers be given more agency in their journey of being “saved” and with joint workshopping, their wishes were incorporated. While specifically talking about the treatment of the Mormon religion, Micheal Otterson, previous director of Public Affairs for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said “… the danger is not when people laugh but when they take it seriously.” Remember, this is not a true portrayal of Africa, the Mormon church, or other entities lampooned in the musical… yes, even Orlando.
“The Book of Mormon” runs now through Sunday at The Fabulous Fox in Saint Louis. Tickets can be found here: The Fabuous Fox tickets