THEATRE REVIEW: The Book of Mormon exceeds the lofty expectations
The Book of Mormon was easily the most anticipated theatre event of the year, and its ability to maintain a level of mystery despite its enormous success no doubt cemented its hype status. It has played across the world and won 9 Tony Awards. It was hard to imagine how anything could live up to these high expectations. Well, The Book of Mormon did just that.
Without giving away too much, The Book of Mormon follows a pair of Mormons on their mission to Uganda, and the ridiculous fish-out-of-water situation is the source of much of the humour of the play. The script is crass and irreverent and certainly toes the line, but it is not mean spirited. It will leave you in stitches and make you squirm at the same time; it was written by the writers of South Park, after all.
Images by Jeff Busby, click HERE to see more
Much of this you probably already knew, though, so the question is: did this Australian tour production match the brilliance of Broadway? Production-wise, this is exceptional. Firstly, the cast was perfectly selected. As well as good acting chops, they all demonstrate spectacular vocal control. Lead Blake Bowden as Elder Price particularly stood out on this front in a role that demands a lot vocally. Nyk Bielak is also strong as co-lead Elder Cunningham, playing up the goofiness of his role with ease. The staging and lighting design brings it all together to create a large-scale, high-class production to match the occasion.
Perth has waited a long time for The Book of Mormon, and it was worth it. Everything was delivered spectacularly, and you do not want to miss an event like this.
5 out of 5 stars.
