Sometimes a musical event comes along that has steadily gained renown for years, so much so that you find yourself worried that the hype may have skewed your expectations a bit too far. That is not the case here.
A faint echoing of a doorbell accompanied an excited and giddy crowd queuing up to see the musical brainchild of Matt Stone and Trey Parker, famed for their animated TV series South Park. There was an atmosphere at the Theatre Royal that could only really be described as ecstatic in retrospect, on a 'latter-day.'
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Taking inspiration, and only a few liberties, from real-life Mormonism, The Book of Mormon jovially opens with a catchy and appropriately tongue-in-cheek introduction to the world and practices of Mormon Missionaries. Musical Director Colm O’Regan’s pacing sets a tone that, as expected, descends into literal interpretations and a touch of depravity at a great pace.
Alongside the dynamic duo of Trey and Matt is Robert Lopez, who co-wrote the book, music and lyrics for The Book of Mormon. What could arguably be interpreted as juvenile humour in the likes of South Park has matured and flourished into a truly unique work of art for their Tony award-winning musical.
Matt and Trey met their third co-writer, Robert, back in 2003 in a little-known city called New York. In the following three years, the first song from The Book of Mormon took shape, igniting a further five-year journey which led to opening night at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre in New York in March 2011.
Over a decade later and The Book of Mormon is showing no signs of slowing down, finally coming to the North East after delays due to the Covid pandemic and asserting an immediate dominance in the theatre space.
Robert Colvin excels as protagonist Elder Price, bringing a combination of charm and perceived gullibility to truly bring you into the Mormon world - albeit from the perspective of someone in on the joke and not fooled by it.
As Elder Cunningham, Conner Peirson delivers a powerhouse performance that just kept growing and evolving with each musical number. Never before did I think I'd have a new favourite song that's all about baptism, but he sold me on it with ease.
The perpetually mispronounced Nabulungi is played by the incredible Aviva Tulley, an innocent reality check for the idealistic Mormons and an absolutely astonishing voice that continued ruminating in my head long after the curtains closed.
The lighting display, stage direction, musical cues, set design, costumes and scene transitions all flowed together with such elegance that almost doesn’t seem right for the subject matter, or the tone of humour it's handled with.
Attention to detail in the music and dances, alongside a cast at the height of their craft in a matured form of immature storytelling, and insult hurling, brought The Book of Mormon to heights only strived for by saints.
I was ready for laughs, I was ready for the offensive, but I wasn’t ready for a well-crafted character arc and personal story within the crude satire. The first half felt like I was merely being buttered up by the little sprinklings of shock and awe humour, whereas the latter act felt like a fever dream conjured up between mates up to no good.
The staggering and epic little-known third chapter of the famous bible trilogy is told with gusto and impeccable timing by a faultless cast of musical performers, streaking warlords and closeted missionaries.
Here’s a musical that you’ll desperately be wanting to quote, but without the finely crafted context on display here, laughs won’t be the default reaction you receive - more likely a gasp and a slap.
Controversial is an inappropriately simple descriptive to give to The Book of Mormon. It pokes fun at the controversy and expertly sidesteps the most offensive for offensive-sake tropes, toying with expectations held within the audience - as was evident by the occasional giggles of anticipation that permeated the upper balcony.
Once the final note had chimed, thunderous applause rang out for minutes on end as the cast took to the stage, singing and dancing as they bowed. Half the auditorium left their seats for a standing ovation, whilst the other half was still recovering from their split sides.
After waiting years and finally having the opportunity to see The Book of Mormon for myself, I can't recommend it enough. Go there, see it, and believe the hype for this one.
*The Book of Mormon runs in Newcastle until Saturday, July 9. Tickets are high in demand and available from the Theatre Royal website and box office.
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