Should I listen to the Book of Mormon cast recording before seeing it?

[ElizabethT27]

I'm seeing Book of Mormon next week, and I can't decide if I should listen to the music first. I don't want to ruin the jokes before seeing it live, but I also don't want to be lost because I don't know the music. Help please!

[Jordan Catalano]

Well....do you go to the movies without knowing all the lines from it first?

[BOM]

I would not. I saw it right before the OBCR was even out. While the show will still be funny if you do, it will be even funnier if you don't. Some songs have shock value and if you already know its gonna happen then it takes away the shock value obviously.

[jacobsnchz14]

Welcome to BWW... :)

PS Change the word "soundtrack" to "cast album"... it's irksome for some people. lol.

If you want to enjoy the show, especially going into it not knowing anything about it or the music, listen to it as soon as you leave the theatre. lol.

[Jordan Catalano]

I know a girl who went to see PHANTOM OF THE OPERA without knowing any of the songs and she died.

[LizzieCurry]

I would suggest not listening to the CAST RECORDING at all before you go. I saw it before it came out and the surprise made it even better.

[D2]

"PS Change the word "soundtrack" to "cast album"... it's irksome for some people. lol."

Yes, it is, because considering how OCD so many people here are about who plays what when in which company, what show curtains, scenery and views from particular seats are like, and which classic shows NEED revivals, which FLOP shows NEED revivals, and which beloved icons of the stage NEED a Tony Award, is it too much to expect you know the difference between an OBCR and a "soundtrack?"

( Said he, tongue firmly in cheek )

[Wynbish]

What LizzieCurry said reminded me of the disclaimer John Lithgow recorded for the Dirty Rotten Scoundrels album.

Go unspoiled.

[ElizabethT27]

Thanks to the people who responded. I don't know everything about Broadway, and maybe instead of being "irked" over using one wrong word you should be glad new people are exposing themselves to theater. It's not that big of a deal.

[Hanna from Hamburg]

I purchased the cast recording several weeks before seeing it. I didn't listen to ANY of it (not even 1 song) before seeing the show and I'm SO glad I waited. Don't give into the temptation to listen before seeing the show. I think the payoff will be worth the wait.

[Wynbish]

You already know two songs because they were on the Tonys, right?

[jacobsnchz14]

Didn't mean anything negative by it, Elizabeth. Just letting you know because of experiences I've seen on the boards before.

[D2]

"It's not that big of a deal"

Oh yes it is.

So is the over misuse of the word "of."

[LizzieCurry]

Don't be defensive, Elizabeth -- just take it as education!

And enjoy a great show!

[lenstersf]

Agree...don't listen to it. You might miss a few words here and there, but I think you'll enjoy it more if it's all a surprise.

[mmFan]

I downloaded the songs prior to seeing BOM last year, but that's just a personal preference. I didn't find it ruined the story or took away any of the jokes, but for me, I like to know the music beforehand as I tend to enjoy the show a bit more...plus, previewing the music gives me an idea if I want to see the swho in the first place...but again, it's a personal preference

[bobs3]

If you listen to recording before seeing the show you will enjoy it (the album) but if you wait until after seeing the show let me tell you, you will be in for some of the most hilarious and enjoyable moments you will ever see on the Broadway stage (there are people on this board that just don't get Matt Stone-Trey Parker humor but they can go f**k themselves).

[CarlosAlberto]

(there are people on this board that just don't get Matt Stone-Trey Parker humor but they can go f**k themselves).

How?

[bobs3]

[bobs3]

How?

If you are that curious about how to, I'm sure Eric Cartman could suggest a way!

[ken8631]

First of all - welcome!

Secondly, I am jealous (want to see it, but still too much $$$).

And lastly, I agree with those who say listen to it AFTER seeing it.....

[GoshGeeGolly]

No, do not do that.

[Playbilly]

Don't listen to the soundtra---uh, cast recording. You won't be seeing them anyway

[luvtheEmcee]

Another vote for no. You only get to be surprised once! Let it be at the theater.

[twinbelters]

If you have an opportunity to hear it with fresh ears, then do that. You can always listen to the recording after and see the show again!

[ABB2357]

I also vote no - it was torture not to listen before I got to see the show, but once I did I was so glad I waited.