Review: THE BOOK OF MORMON at Det Ny Teater

I have heard the Book of Mormon soundtrack, so many times, and I was excited to finally see it on stage.

I noticed that 60% of the theater audience must have been aged 60+; I sat beside an elderly couple as well. I didn't think that this musical, would be their cup of tea, seeing that the musical was coined by the creators of South Park, and had the comic elements of racism, parodies, and vulgarity. Surprisingly enough, the theater hall filled with laughter, just midway of the first song "Hello". When the show ended, a standing ovation happened, and was surprisingly lead by a few of the elderly age group. The show and the audience, concluded a well-spent Friday evening for me... oh, might I add that on the way out of the theater, there were real Mormons handing out books to the theatergoers.

The musical was in Danish, was translated by Kenneth Thordal. The Danish version, was very close to the original, and did not lose any of the important elements. Though I might add, Danish themes, e.g. the controversy of politician Bjarne Corydon, was cleverly added to really get the Danish audience involved.

The costumes and sets were very similar to the original Broadway production. The special effects were commendable; the depiction of the Mormon's dream of hell blew the audience away... this lead to a minute of screaming and clapping after the number.

The cast was an absolute delight. You would almost think that they were Mormons!

I have to really praise Carsten Svendsen, who plays Elder Cunningham. His knack for comic timing and sharpness is spot on! I was very much looking forward to seeing him in this musical, after his fantastic portrayals of Lord Evelyn Oakleigh in "Anything Goes" and Frank Butler in "Annie Get Your Gun". HIs "partnership" with Elder Price, portrayed by Silas Holst, reminds me of the comic duos of Laurel and Hardy or Abbot and Costello.

All in all, I give this show 5 out of 5 stars, and recommend it to all generations... be prepared to laugh your butts off!

The Book of Mormon is a musical comedy about two young Mormon missionaries who travel to Africa to preach the Mormon religion, and runs at Det Ny Teater in Copenhagen, until May 27. Details here: https://www.detnyteater.dk/the-book-of-mormon/.

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