These days, audiences can’t get enough of Mormon-themed entertainment, as proven by the ongoing popularity of the Broadway hit The Book of Mormon and the TV show The Secret Lives of Mormon Housewives. And while the Housewives may not be in Vancouver right now, The Book of Mormon squad certainly is! On Tuesday night, the Broadway Across Canada touring company lit up the Queen Elizabeth Theatre with a crowd-pleasing performance that had the audience roaring in laughter and erupting in cheers throughout the evening.
Conceived by South Park masterminds Trey Parker and Matt Stone, alongside Avenue Q’s Robert Lopez, this nine-time Tony Award-winning show follows the misadventures of Mormon missionaries Elder Kevin Price (Sam McLellan) and Elder Arnold Cunningham (Diego Enrico) as they attempt to convert people of a Ugandan village. As a devout, high achiever, Price tries his best to shine even though the locals have more pressing issues to worry about, including HIV/AIDS, poverty, female genital mutilation, child molestation and the terror imposed by a warlord (Dewight Braxton Jr.).
From left to right: Deigo Enrico, Keke Nesbitt and Sam McLellan. Photo credit: Julieta Cervantes
Meanwhile, awkward Cunningham seeks friendship with Price and validation as a missionary, leading to an unexpected connection with Nabulungi (Keke Nesbitt), a young villager intrigued by the missionaries’ teachings. While this opens the door for Cunningham and the entire congregation of Mormon missionaries stationed in the village to make an impact, it may not be the type of impact they were expecting.
The show’s dialogue and lyrics are over-the-top hilarious and delightfully borderline offensive, but never actually cross the line. By poking fun at everyone rather than singling out any one group, the comedy feels inclusive and oddly sincere. This balance between satire and earnestness brings a sweet, heartwarming touch to the production. The score is packed with catchy such as the reggae-inspired “Joseph Smith American Moses”, the cheeky “Hasa Diga Eebowai”, Price’s power ballad “I Believe” (performed with fantastic vocals by McLellan), and Nabulungi’s hopeful “Sal Tlay Ka Siti”(performed with heartfelt emotion by Nesbitt).
Director and choreographer Casey Nicholaw—who also helmed Aladdin and Mean Girls on Broadway—leans into South Park-style humour, blending it with the dazzle of classic Broadway, elements of African dance, and infectious feel-good dance moves. Numbers like “Two by Two” showcase zany, cartoon-liked movements and energy that feels straight out of South Park, while “Turn It Off”, led by the comical Craig Franke’s hilarious Elder McKinley, pays homage to vintage tap dance routines with a 42nd Street vibe. Nicholaw’s wink to African dance in “I Am Africa” is both respectful and funny to anyone familiar with the style or is at least familiar with the stage version of The Lion King. And classic jazz dance moves add fun and punch to “Tomorrow Is a Latter Day” and “Encore”.
Cast members perform “Turn It Off”, choreographed by Casey Nicholaw. Photo credit: Julieta Cervantes
Two other standout moments are the big production numbers, “Spooky Mormon Hell Dream” and “Joseph Smith American Moses”, where Ann Roth’s witty costumes—featuring cameos from the likes of Jeffrey Dahmer, Darth Vader, Yoda and an anatomically exaggerated Jesus—add an extra layer of fun.
McLellan’s portrayal of Price is appropriately self-absorbed, with an idealistic attitude that still makes him likeable. As Cunningham, Enrico exudes a youthful innocence and energy that gives his interpretation a refreshingly endearing quality. Nesbitt’s Nabulungi brings warmth and depth, driving the story forward with her curiosity and compassion. The entire cast radiates an infectious energy, infusing each scene and number with a joy and sincerity that makes this production feel newly alive, even for those familiar with the show.
If you’re in the mood for some smart, satirical comedy that also warms the heart and delivers musical theatre magic, The Book of Mormon is a must-see. So tonight, give those Housewives and their “secret” lives a break, and join the fun at The Book of Mormon instead!
Broadway Across Canada’s The Book of Mormon runs at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver until November 17. Visit Broadway Across Canada’s website for ticket information.