Jones Theatrical Group and Marriner Group’s latest rendition of The Book of Mormon is a raucous and raunchy musical comedy with absolutely no intention of behaving itself. The Book of Mormon has stood the test of time because it dares to be outrageous and is clever enough to earn every laugh.
Created by Trey Parker, Matt Stone, and Robert Lopez, this Tony Award-winning adventure follows two young Mormon missionaries sent to Uganda to spread their faith. What unfolds is a display of youthful optimism mixed with a dash of signature South Park-esque satire as their worlds open up. As blasphemous as the show feels at first glance, there is an undercurrent of admiration woven throughout.
The show highlights how absurd certain elements might feel to outsiders. Moroni’s whispered instructions about the golden plates and a cameo from Jesus himself are gleefully absurd… But it also highlights how religion unites communities in crises. What makes The Book of Mormon more than shock-value comedy is its intelligence.
In the midst of the heavy parody, it is easy to overlook the sheer talent of the cast. It takes a lot to deliver like Paris Leveque precociously singing “I’m wet with salvation” during Baptize Me while also delivering a powerhouse vocal as Nabulungi. Her debut performance is perfectly delivered as the sweet, starry-eyed girl looking for answers in Sal Tlay Ka Siti.
Sean Johnston is a loveable egomaniac as Elder Price. His punchy choreography and shining vocals create beautiful moments on the stage. His chaotic sidekick Elder Cunningham, played by Nick Cox, brings theatrical flair and care to the odd boy desperately trying to fit in with his peers. Their chemistry anchors the production, allowing even the most outrageous jokes to land with warmth rather than cruelty.
The saccharine missionary ensemble surrounding them is electric. Elder McKinley, played by Tom Struik, is especially sassy and fun. The choreography by Emma Delmenico-Smith for the ensemble numbers is crisp and in sync, no small feat!
The Ugandan villagers embody the stark contrast to shiny, sparkling Utah – sometimes with nothing more than a dragged donkey corpse to make the point.
Mafala Hatimbi, played by Simbarashe Matshe, brings a lightness to his role as our guide to the African way with a stellar performance in Hasa Diga Eebowai in particular. It would be remiss to forget about the stoic, yet hilarious, General played by Augie Tchantcho. God, he makes a wonderful Satan.
Visually, the production is spectacularly Broadway. Spooky Mormon Hell Dream is my favourite scene of the show. The pulsating rock ballad is paired with a set that screams an exaggerated, stereotypical hell back at the audience.
The climactic Joseph Smith American Moses, gets the entire concert hall giggling like naughty school children.
The delivery of the show is heavily reliant on the execution of sound and lighting. Nathan Santamaria and Jon Nichols, respectively, nail it. Delivery is flawless at every step, especially noticeable in numbers like Turn It Off, where the lighting and sound are a critical part of landing the punchlines.
Costumes by Janet Hine, originally imagined by Ann Roth, are sublime. It is a feast for the eyes, from the crisp white All-American shirts to the absurd pink sequined vests. And of course, the tainted American flag boardies on a Ugandan villager sums up the heart of the show.
The Book of Mormon is provocative and will challenge some sensibilities, as the creators are infamously known for. But it is also one of the most tightly crafted, witty, and joyfully performed musicals to grace a Melbourne stage in recent memory.
If you’re ready for a night of bold and riotous comedy, ring the doorbell at the Princess Theatre. Remember to leave your clutching pearls at home and just hasa diga eebowai!
The Book of Mormon runs in Melbourne at the Princess Theatre, 163 Spring Street Melbourne Vic 3000.
It then opens in Brisbane on 31 July at the Glasshouse Theatre, QPAC.
Tickets: https://thebookofmormonmusical.com.au/tickets/melbourne/
Website: https://thebookofmormonmusical.com.au/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/bookofmormonaunz/
Photo credits: Daniel Boud
