Review: Hysterical Hit BOOK OF MORMON Says 'Hello!' At The Kennedy Center

Ever since THE BOOK OF MORMON premiered on Broadway in 2011 I have wanted to see what all the fuss was about. Although written by the same team that conceived the television show South Park, I wanted to see what made this musical, which went on to win the Tony Award for Best Musical, so funny. After watching the touring production of THE BOOK OF MORMON, starring Kevin Clay and Connor Pierson, at the Kennedy Center, it is evident why THE BOOK OF MORMON has continued to draw crowds on Broadway. The absurdity and irony throughout the performance keep you laughing from start to finish and the extremely catchy songs stay with you until the next day (looking at you, "All-American Prophet").

The hilarity is not for the faint of heart, however. THE BOOK OF MORMON contains explicit language and takes some hits at specific religions, specifically Mormonism, and at members of the African race. While the sometimes extremely crude jokes still draw many laughs from the crowds, it can definitely come off as offensive for some. It would be best for easily offended individuals and kids to skip this one out. I was prepared for the vulgar jokes and songs, and even then I still experienced some shocking moments. Despite this, I was still smiling and laughing throughout the production as a result of the energetic dances by the whole cast and message of determination and never giving up.

From the first moment that the Mormons say "Hello!" under the church-like set design, the audience is given a glimpse into the Mormon religion (as well as beautiful harmonies from the cast). The audience is also introduced to Elder Price (Clay) and Elder Cunningham (Pierson), who are about to go on their mission of converting individuals to the Mormon religion in Uganda for two years. Clay and Pierson were perfectly cast in their roles and do a fantastic job in playing perfect complements to each other: Elder Price is the popular, model version of what an elder should be while Elder Cunningham is extremely awkward and considered a lost cause for an elder, although desperate to fit in and have friends. The differences between the two characters are further highlighted in the energetic number "Two By Two".

As our lead characters arrive in Uganda and fully experience the mentality of the individuals they are supposed to convert, they learn by the other missionaries placed there that any bad feelings that should arise in them should be turned off, as fully explained with incredible and unexpected dance numbers in "Turn It Off". This song, as well as "Spooky Mormon Hell Dream" were further testaments to the energy of "Mormon" cast members, with some points causing me to put my hands on my face out of pure disbelief and laughter.

Those who play the people of Uganda were no different. Although their lives in the village are dire, and they have just about given up hope, the cast beautifully and hilariously portrays how these people will continue to face whatever comes their way (including even more amazing harmonies). Despite this resignation of the Ugandan people, Nabulungi (Kim Exum) still holds out hope for a better life. Exum does a wonderful job in showing the audience the beautiful, almost child-like wonder and hopefulness about escaping to a paradise that the Mormons promise.

The end of the production gives our characters reconciliation as well as a renewed sense of determination. Although the spread of Mormonism in Uganda may not have been traditional, it spread about a new sense of hope to the people of that village, showing the audience that hope can arise from the most unexpected of ways.

THE BOOK OF MORMON is now playing at The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts - 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566 - until November 19th, 2017. Tickets can be purchased here, at the box office, or by phone through instant-charge at 202-467-4600.

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