Review: THE BOOK OF MORMON Says 'Hello!' to Providence

One of the most popular and controversial new musicals of the past decade, nine-time Tony Award-winner The Book of Mormon says "Hello!" to Providence now through Sunday, November 22. The winner of 2011's Tony Award for Best Musical has been praised by critics and fans alike for its nonsensical, unabashed sense of humor.

For any reader out there who has somehow managed to survive the past four years without hearing anything about this widely-discussed show, please be advised that it is not family-friendly entertainment. A PSA from this reviewer to optimistic parents: leave the kids at home unless you want to answer endless questions about female circumcision, bestiality and AIDs. While The Book of Mormon is shamelessly politically incorrect and crude at a time when political correctness is becoming expected and respected, it feels wrong not to laugh at the absolute absurdity taking place on stage. Featuring book, music, and lyrics written by Trey Parker, Matt Stone (the comedic masterminds behind South Park) and Robert Lopez (Tony-Award winning co-creator of Avenue Q) anything less than pure ridiculousness would be a surprise. The comfort that comes with this brand of comedy is that Parker, Stone, and Lopez put a significant amount of effort into being sure that they make a joke at anyone and everyone's expense.

We are introduced our Mormons as the show begins with a vibrant reenactment of the founding of the religion, leading into an energetic opening number ("Hello!") featuring the charismatic young missionaries who hope to bring their beliefs with them as they travel the world in pairs. Our two stars are perfectly contrasted couple who become an unlikely set of friends. Elder Price (David Larsen) has devoted his entire life to becoming the perfect missionary, and his peers are in awe of his potential. Elder Cunningham (Cody Jamison Strand) is a stout, geeky, less-than-ideal candidate for the job, but his love and faith give him a passion unlike any of his fellow Elders. The two are paired together and sent to Uganda, much to the dismay of Elder Price, whose prayers have always asked God to send him back to his favorite place in the world- Orlando, Florida.

Those familiar with the original Broadway cast will agree that Andrew Rannells and Josh Gad were magical together as Elder Price and Elder Cunningham, respectively. While their comedic chemistry may never be perfectly replicated, in this reviewer's opinion it is worth mentioning that the current cast members should be applauded for not trying desperately to replicate Rannells and Gad's partnership. The humor comes naturally, especially for Strand as Elder Cunningham; it never feels forced or copied.

Once in Uganda, the hilarity continues as we meet the villagers, who welcome their new missionaries with a seemingly friendly song ("Hasa Diga Eebowai") about handling their struggles with a smile. The missionaries are less than thrilled with their new home, but their new roommates and fellow missionaries try to cheer them up by reminding them in this reviewer's personal favorite number ("Turn It Off") that it is a Mormon's responsibility to ignore any negative emotions or thoughts and put on a smile. The cast of characters living in the village are not all welcoming, but a young woman named Nabulungi (Candace Quarrels) is taken aback by the promise of paradise. Her dream of travelling to Salt Lake City ("Sal Tlay Ka Siti") drive her to inspire the rest of her village to give the missionaries a chance. Quarrels brings a sweet innocence to the role of Nabulungi (whose name seems to change endlessly throughout the show as Elder Cunningham calls her everything from Neosporin to Necrophilia), making her a lovable and sympathetic character amongst a crowd of hardly relatable, though hilarious punchlines.

By the time the show reaches ("Spooky Mormon Hell Dream") in Act II, a supremely campy, colorful, over-the-top scene featuring cameos from Adolf Hitler, Darth Vader, Jeffrey Dahmer and more, it's hard not to step back in disbelief at what is happening on stage. If that song's not quite enough to send you into an incredulous fit of laughter, just wait until the group of young white male missionaries in white shirts and white ties take the stage to sing out, with feeling: "I Am Africa".

While the stories the Ugandan villagers learn from Elder Cunningham are not entirely accurate to The Book of Mormon, the village is forever changed, and so are the futures of the many young missionaries they meet. With an enthusiastic, gifted cast, enchantingly intricate sets, a bizarre story like none other, told through songs overflowing with offensiveness that you'll be singing days later, The Book of Mormon is not to be missed.

Performances continue at PPAC through Sunday, November 22nd. Tickets are available online, at the PPAC Box Office or by phone (401-421-ARTS), with prices starting at $30. For more information on The Book of Mormon, visit www.BookofMormonTheMusical.com and follow them on Twitter and Facebook.

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