Review: THE BOOK OF MORMON at Princess Theatre

What do you get when you put the creators of South Park and Avenue Q in a room together to write a musical? The Book of Mormon. A musical about a pair of young Mormons, off on their 2 year mission to convert the African people.

Written by Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the creators of South Park, and Robert Lopez, one of the genius minds behind Avenue Q, has everything you would expect from them and then way more. It'll blow your freakin mind with musical references and homages to The Sound of Music, Wicked, and The Lion King, combined with an hilarious yet poignant look at religion and a few genital jokes for good measure.

Ryan Bondy plays Elder Price, the eager and pious Latter Day Saint who is ready to change the world on behalf of the church. Whilst difficult to see why we couldn't find an Australian performer for this role, Bondy is a strong presence amongst the group of ensemble Mormons. He nails the intense blind optimism of Elder Price and has show-stopping number after show-stopping number.

A.J. Holmes is the standout of the show as the bumbling Elder Cunningham, Price's newly appointed companion and "best friend". Elder Cunningham has a penchant for bending the truth and an infectious laugh. Holmes' comedic timing is impeccable and his voice is exceptional. The triumph performance of the show!

Zahra Newman absolutely shines as the nubile and naive Nabalungi, the mispronounced heroine of the Ugandan village. With an effortless and exceptional voice, Newman will surely be the new leading lady of Australian musical theatre.

Rowan Witt as Elder McKinley/Moroni is hilarious, as he teaches his Mormon pals to "turn it off" with a tap number and a sequin vest. Bert LaBonté is delightfully subtle as Mafala, the father of Nabalungi, receiving an opening night cheer upon his first entrance. Special mention to Daniel Assetta and Todd Jacobsson who were mesmerising to watch.

With Donald Trump releasing vulgar comments and executive orders on a daily basis, it's hard to be shocked these days but The Book of Mormon succeeds, covering topics like genital mutilation, infant rape, and homophobia. This show has more swearing than a Saturday night on King Street but the audience finds themselves setting aside their disgust for the laughs they get in return. Most importantly, the show poses the idea that maybe the reason people of all cultures invest so heavily in religion is to find hope and solace amidst difficult situations. If we can't explain it, we just need to cope with it and religion is a method for this. To feel a part of something, to feel supported, and to feel hopeful.

Whether it's a pre-purchased ticket or a lottery entrance, make an effort to score yourself a seat to The Book of Mormon. Your sides will hurt and you won't be disappointed.

http://bookofmormonmusical.com.au/
Princess Theatre, Melbourne

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