Irreverent ‘Book of Mormon’ at Bass Hall delivers laughs, cringe-worth moments
No one does satire like the creators of “South Park.”
Anyone who has ever watched the wildly popular animated series that has been on the air for almost three decades knows that nothing is off limits to Trey Parker and Matt Stone. From Hollywood elite to world leaders, they have offered their unique take on a variety of controversial topics, holding nothing back.
However, one thing is consistent — trying not to laugh while watching is most often an effort in futility.
These masters of irreverence have crossed the fine line between offensive and funny so many times that it’s like going from Fort Worth to Arlington — one flows directly into the other.
This includes the world of religion — one religion in particular in their renowned musical “The Book of Mormon.” The winner of nine Tony Awards (nominated for 14) has been ribbing the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints — all in good fun, of course — for almost a decade and a half to audiences spanning the globe.
And it is back at Bass Hall for a fourth time through Sunday, Aug. 10, as part of Performing Arts Fort Worth’s Broadway at the Bass Series Presented by PNC Bank.
With a script written by Parker, Stone and Robert Lopez, the genius behind the puppet musical “Avenue Q” and an EGOT winner (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony), the story of “The Book of Mormon” follows two missionaries of the LDS Church as they attempt to share the faith with the inhabitants of a remote Ugandan village. Their words fall on deaf ears, however, as the community deals with what they deem to be much more challenging issues, such as the most insane cure ever for AIDS and famine, along with a domineering warlord whose name we dare not print (you’ll understand when you see the show).
The action begins at an LDS Church missionary training center with the anxious Elder Price (Sam McLellan) hardly able to contain himself as he prepares for his upcoming two-year journey. He believes if he prays hard enough, the Lord will send him to his dream destination in Orlando.
Instead, he is sent to the exact opposite of Disney World.
Making matters more troubling — in Price’s mind — he is partnered with Elder Cunningham (played on this night by understudy Ronnie Spoto), who is overflowing with insecurity to the point he is also a compulsive liar. Their direct contrast is spotlighted in a comical early number by Price, “You and Me (But Mostly Me).”
Upon arriving in Uganda, the duo are immediately greeted by robbers. They then meet with the deflated missionaries who have already been there for some time and have yet to convert anyone.
Not exactly paradise for someone who is trying to, well, lead others to paradise.
It is here, however, that we learn who is truly strong and who is meek. Cunningham becomes inspired while Price begins to question their purpose — with his dream of being in “Mormon Hell” a definite highlight featuring alongside Lucifer the likes of Hitler, Jeffrey Dahmer and Johnnie Cochran.
It is Cunningham’s mixture of scripture and pop culture that begins to bring the community around spiritually. Not knowing either the Angel Moroni or “Star Wars,” they have no problem believing that Moroni was on the Death Star unleashing the Kraken, or that Mormons danced with Ewoks.
When Cunningham baptizes villager Nabulungi (played with wonderfully satirical naivety by Charity Arianna), it is during the hilarious and sexual innuendo-filled song “Baptize Me.”
And when the villagers perform for the mission leader their version of the story of Joseph Smith (founder of the Mormon religion) based on what they’ve learned from Cunningham, well let’s just say it’s quite different — and certainly more wild — than has been told by any church member ever.
The story poses the question of what is most important, delivering the message in the “proper” way or in a way that brings people onboard? Does it matter the road taken as long as the destination is reached?
When Price describes Cunningham’s methods as “A bunch of made-up stuff pointing to something bigger” it could very well be echoing the views of the show’s creators concerning the religion about which they are jesting.
This is not a show for someone who can’t tolerate satire — and yes, be prepared for some cringe-worthy moments. But here’s betting you’ll be describing those same funny scenes with your friends around the office water cooler.
“The Book of Mormon” is much more than a religious parody. It is a lesson in learning how to understand each other, opening up to new things —- strange as they might seem at first — and helping navigate to a comfort zone when there doesn’t seem to be one.
If you haven’t figured out by now, “The Book of Mormon” has some explicit language, so leave the kids at home - with a baby sitter, of course.
Adults, however, you’ll find yourself laughing consistently even as you ponder some questions about spirituality, the hereafter and what to do in this crazy life to get there.
The show’s creators have stated it is not anti-Mormon, but is instead a commentary on faith and human nature.
The LDS Church’s response to the “Book of Mormon” has, understandably, been mixed. Of course, they do not support the show’s adult language and have said the story misrepresents their faith, but officials have also said it has sparked dialogue and curiosity about the actual Book of Mormon.
In fact, the church has even advertised in playbills for the Broadway production.
The Good Lord does have a sense of humor. How else can you explain the duck-billed platypus?