The multi-award-winning musical production The Book of Mormon has been playing at the Prince of Wales Theatre since 2011 and has left full crowds roaring with laughter with their hilarious risqué jokes. Nobody is left out in their wide variety of almost offensive jokes, excellently executed with comedic timing that few are able to have.
The songs were all unique and expertly executed. The harmonies of the different actors and the dance routines accompanying it allows the audience to quickly become recaptured. The small size of the theatre also allows the sounds to vibrate off the walls and enhances the experience, making goosebumps a common reaction across the seats. Whether it was one actor or the entire cast performing, the audience felt included in the moment and was included in the storyline.
The dances were equally as impressive as the songs, with the complex tap and contemporary routines giving everyone in the theatre something interesting to look at. They all danced with no laws or falters, displaying the effort and time that has been put into giving the best performance possible. The most impressive routine however was when they included a costume change while dancing during ‘switch it off,’ allowing everyone to know why The Book of Mormon has won so many awards.
The jokes of the musical, while were rude and some would have found offensive, quickly became constant references throughout the performance. Most notably, Elder Cunningham’s mispronunciation of Nabulungi - one of the Nigerans in the village some Mormons had been sent to- became increasingly ridiculous, ending with him calling her ‘Nigel Farage.’ The continuity of the closeted Elder also became more ridiculous as his apparent attraction to Elder Price becomes increasingly obvious. As well as this, the song ‘We are Africa’ causes many to cry from laughter as the Mormons believe they have become “one” with the Nigerians and believe themselves to be experts in the missionary cause.
The Book of Mormon is not for the easily offended, but it is clear to see why the production has won 9 Tonys and 1 Grammy. Their perfect dances and hilarious songs provide the audiences with a comedic relief from the troubles of modern life and allows them to laugh at the not-at-all subtle jokes about different levels of society.
