The Mormons have arrived in Syracuse
The Mormons have arrived in Syracuse
Review: “The Book of Mormon” arrives at the Landmark Theatre and is full of laughs, innuendos and over-the-top musical numbers.
The Mormons say “Hello!” as they arrive in Syracuse this weekend to celebrate the show’s 15th anniversary.
Not many musicals can say they feature high-kicking Mormons, Yoda and a whole song about the wonders of Salt Lake City. But for The Book of Mormon, that just scratches the surface of what’s in store.
The show follows two Mormon missionaries as they travel to serve their mission in Uganda. The eager, self-centered Elder Price and the desperate-to-please Elder Cunningham navigate friendship troubles, threats from a warlord and skeptical villagers as they try to prove themselves to the church.
When a young woman from the tribe, Nabulungi, becomes interested in learning about their religion, Cunningham starts making up stories. Soon, he gets in over his head.
With a script by South Park creators, the show is most well-known for its uniquely satirical and dark humor. If you are hoping to see a wholesome celebration of the Mormon religion, you might want to sit this one out. But if you’re looking to laugh, this show certainly delivers.
With its wacky and over-the-top musical numbers, audience members were laughing through song after song.
In “All-American Prophet,” Elder Price tells the story of Joseph Smith, poking fun at the farfetchedness of the Mormon origin story. “Baptize Me” relies on a sexual innuendo for its comedy. It features Elder Cunningham and the recently converted Nabulungi singing about how it’s their “first time” doing a baptism. “Spooky Mormon Hell Dream” leans into the ridiculous to paint the picture of Elder Price’s idea of hell. It’s a flashy number, complete with dancing skeletons, maple-glazed donuts and Genghis Khan.
The show also uses choreography, costumes, and music to bring a fun, Broadway-esque tone to the performance. Animated movement and synchronized steps bring the rule-following, happy-go-lucky Mormons to life and breathe energy into the show. In “Turn It Off,” the missionaries tap dance in sparkly vests in true musical theatre fashion. Upbeat, catchy numbers like “Two by Two” are sure to stay in audience members’ heads long after heading home.
Despite the show’s tendency to lean towards the unrealistic and readiness for a punch line, it isn’t lacking in heart, thanks to the sincere performances of the cast.
SU alum Dylan Knight Weaver and Jacob Aune, as Elder Price and Elder Cunningham, bring a level of genuine humanity to their characters that shines through the satire of it all to make for compelling arcs and relationships. Charity Arianna as Nabulungi gives a great performance alongside fantastic vocals to bring to life the character’s dreams of escape to Utah.
The characters all have moments in which they are fleshed out, so they don’t fall completely into parody. Small details like Elder Price’s love for Orlando, or the way Mafala, Nabulungi’s father, wants to protect her, despite her wanting independence, ground the show in a much-needed way.
Overall, the Book of Mormon is a very fun viewing experience. It’s silly and surreal with plenty of flashy moments to excite, jokes to chuckle at, and characters to feel for.
The cast of the Book of Mormon will perform this Saturday and Sunday with both matinee and evening shows at the Landmark Theatre in Downtown Syracuse. Tickets are available here.
is a contributor for The NewsHouse.