The Book of Mormon follows two young missionaries who are sent to Uganda to try to convert citizens to the Mormon religion. One missionary, Elder Price, is an enthusiastic go-getter with a strong dedication to his faith, while his partner, Elder Cunningham, is a socially awkward but well meaning nerd whose tendency to embroider the truth soon lands him in trouble.
Upon their arrival in Africa, Elders Price and Cunningham learn that in a society plagued by AIDS, poverty and violence, a successful mission may not be as easy as they expected.
Nine-time Tony-winning musical The Book of Mormon will head to Vancouver for six nights starting April 7, 2015. The Book of Mormon features book, music, and lyrics by Trey Parker, Robert Lopez, and Matt Stone. Parker and Stone are the four-time Emmy Award-winning creators of the landmark animated series South Park.
[The Book of Mormon First National Tour; photo © Joan Marcus, 2013]
Tony Award-winner Lopez is co-creator of the long-running hit musical comedy, Avenue Q, now on at the Arts Club Theatre’s Granville Island Stage. The Book of Mormon is choreographed by Tony Award-winner Casey Nicholaw (Monty Python’s Spamalot, The Drowsy Chaperone) and is directed by Nicholaw and Parker.
Composed by South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone and Avenue Q’s Robert Lopez, The Book of Mormon is an old-style musical with a modern sensibility. This blockbuster show features several big song-and-dance numbers accompanied by some old-fashioned Broadway belting. An equal opportunity offender, the show playfully pokes fun at religion, sexuality, poverty, and race, while inspiring an after-the-show discussion of religion in general.
Is The Book of Mormon suitable for kids?
The Book of Mormon plays fast and loose with explicit language. Every parent knows their kids best, particularly if South Park is a family favorite. Before committing to bringing pre-teen theatergoers, check out the cast recording to get an idea of the show’s humor and language.
Broadway Across Canada Presents The Book of Mormon
Dates: April 7 to 12, 2015; Tuesday to Saturday, 8 pm; Saturday, Sunday, 2 pm; Sunday, 7:30 pm
Venue: Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 649 Cambie Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Available in advance online or via phoning 1.855.985.5000
Warning: Contains explicit language