Let me start off by saying that my favorite parts of South Park are their outrageously funny musical numbers. I remember laughing my ass off every time "Uncle F---a" came on my playlist...at the time (when I was around 14-ish old), I thought they (Trey Parker and Matt Stone) were geniuses. But then I grew up...and unwisely listened to some that South Park is just a lame overrated cartoon. I removed those songs I've dearly loved when I was younger and replaced them with the more traditional Broadway fare. I had completely cut myself off from anything like it.
But then, out of nowhere, comes the news of a new musical by the South park creators. The subject matter: Latter Day Saints; Location: Africa! The premise alone got me super excited for whatever Matt and Trey were cooking up. And then I find out that they're working with Robert Lopez (composer for Avenue Q...another of my favorite musicals)...
There was only one end to this influx of news and it was me flailing about in my room, silently screaming and making a fool of myself because...somehow I'm the only one I know (in close proximity, that is) that happens to love musicals and theatre in general.
It was a long wait but dang it, hearing all the good reviews and awards won is such a relief (This is South Park-ish humor, people. Even the makers weren't exactly sure if it was going to make it on Broadway). And while most of my peers are flailing over How To Succeed and the Spiderman: Turn Off the Dark, I stuck with what I knew was the more likely to give me stitches...and after listening to the cast recording, I was filled with absolute glee that I did my 'running-around-in-my-room-screaming' bit. And when I had tire myself running, I had come to realize just why I love musicals. Because they make me happy. Even those sad laments over shots of booze made me happy.
Which brings me to my mission for the day: To spread the word (pun intended?) of the geniuses that is Matt and Trey and introduce you all to their award-winning show: (SPOILERS ABOUND)
The premise of the musical is of two young Mormon missionaries Elder Price and Elder Cunningham. One is a gung-ho opportunist who is convinced that he will make a mark in the world while the other is a goofy nerd who hasn't even read The Book of Mormon, preferring to discuss the merits of Star Wars and Star Trek instead. They are at the age when they are sent to different parts of the world to help spread their faith while helping people in the process. And at 19, that is a pretty huge undertaking.
Some are sent to Norway, some to France and despite Price's prayer to be shipped off to Florida, he and his companion find themselves assigned in Uganda...which, for those who don't know (or skipped my first few paragraphs), is in Africa where they encounter skeptical community members, choosing to just refer to their own unique brand of 'Hakuna Matata' for all their misfortunes.
And right along to help our to protagonists see that there is hope that their mission will be successful (since their own stay hasn't been much fruitful) are their fellow brothers led by Elder McKinley, a do-gooder with issues of his own which are apparent during a particularly funny number about how to get rid of wrong/sad feelings and a few other endearing misfit Elders.
So with renewed enthusiasm, Elder Price and Elder Cunningham set off to their assigned village to spread the teachings but even poster boy Price can't shake the resignation amongst the villagers. Especially when the threat of a certain General/Warlord is lurking nearby, threatening death and mutilation.
A turning point in the story is when the two do encounter the General face to face. We find that there is a crack in Elder Price's form and decides to ask for a transfer away from Africa thus breaking Rule #72 (To not leave your companion). This, of course, hits Elder Cunningham hard. He only wanted a best friend after all. But determined not to let his feelings get away, he decides to do the best he can to help some villagers who are finally ready to listen, who are fed up from the warlord's tyranny.
But didn't they say that to be a good teacher, you had to know the material? Well, I guess this case is an exception. Elder Cunningham manages to convince the Africans through Star Wars references and frogs and now has a whole village willing to be brought into the Mormon faith. Elder Cunningham has now become the zone's star Elder while his former companion stands at the sidelines after a failed transfer attempt and a rather terrifying dream.
Feeling left out, Price grapples with the doubts in his mind, of what had happened and why his prayers of being sent to Orlando, Florida weren't granted when he had worked so hard to be what Elder Cunningham had easily become. So how does a musical solve this? Through song, of course! Elder Price, along with an incredibly rousing (yet very funny) number, finds the reaffirmation in his faith, boldly marching into the rebellion's main camp. Undeterred by the guns pointed at his face, he sets his hopes of letting the self-proclaimed General see the light.
Image Source: zap2it.com
But as what we would have surmised, every encounter with the warlord ends badly and Elder Price finds himself in an unusual and uncomfortable position. All the while, Elder Cunningham and the rest of the Elders are preparing for a joyous event. The Africans are ready to be baptized and brought into the church. The news of new members certainly pleases their leader that a visit is soon scheduled.
Elder Cunningham, though still a bit bitter of being left alone, convinces a caffeine-high Price to return to the village and partake in the celebration at least just for show. So Price puts on a brave face and joins the meeting, lamenting on the eventual loss of his Planet Orlando. The congratulatory pats on the back makes everything awkward for the both of them, but none more so when the newly converted Africans surprise the visitors with a play of what they just had learned from Elder Cunningham. What results is a very humorous sketch...even borderline offensive, but less so because of the song's incredibly catchy tune.
Image Source: Playbill.com
The celebration is abruptly cut short, disappointment and anger amongst the leaders evident when they decide to shut them down...even went as far as saying that they practically weren't even Latter Day Saints. The Elders are crushed but follows orders and goes off to pack their things leaving a devastated Elder Cunningham in their wake. The blame is clearly on him and he owns up to it, but can't help but cry either way. He hadn't really meant for that to happen, he simply gave the villagers something to believe in and now he stands to lose the entire village, his friends, and the one villager girl that stuck to him since the very beginning. But Elder Price, who had come a long way in realizing that not everything is about him, stays to comfort someone who he has come to know as a friend.
Price realizes that, despite the obvious modern references amidst scripture, what Elder Cunningham has been doing all along was the right thing. He was making people happy, gave them something to believe in. The Africans found a way to live with the war, the AIDS, the poverty, the famine, and the ants and they were happy...and wearing costumes which is probably like what? Orlando.
And in sudden realization, the thousand-watt smile reappears. Price has found his planet. In Africa.
Elder Cunningham is unsure but Elder Price is convinced that even if they made a few additions to scripture, broke rules, or even doubting the existence of a God doesn't stop them from being Latter Day Saints. They still have something to believe in and that is in each other and of the thought that tomorrow will be a latter day.
It's a joyous end to an incredible story and I urge anyone (in, but not limiting to, New York) with time and money to catch this musical on stage. Especially to those who want to see seamless plot and character development, great acting and unforgettable music. There is a reason why this show swept the Tonys and now has become the hottest (and hardest) ticket to find.
Now, I've heard a few backlash, mostly from random people on the internet though they are entitled to their own opinions. I know I'm not particularly well-versed in this certain religion but I know that there are some stuff that could incite a riot. Most of them are concerned that the show is making fun of a religion and its people but I have to slightly disagree. Their is an element of parody, yes...but it is done with respect as well. Some are wary of the stereotyping and to that I have to agree...it is done to an extent but it doesn't make me laugh at every Mormon missionary who comes my way. Because I think the way they were portrayed on the show is somewhat endearing...and isn't that a good thing? Another hot topic is about the use of language and especially to who it is directed to. And yes, that is very very wrong...but when you see embittered people who clearly have no way to go, you kinda understand why they would say that. And this is from the people who made South Park, nothing is safe around them. I take everything in this play with a grain of salt...I didn't go out and started proclaiming 'Hasa Diga Eebowai' after I heard it.
Anyways, if you think that you are easily offended, then I suggest to stay far away from this show. But if you can be open-minded and just be there to enjoy a well thought out and well executed show, then by all means go see it. It will surprise you (as it did me).
Gosh, I cannot gush anymore about this show but all the people I've named so far are to thank. They have put on a show with a target drawn on its forehead, but still manages to put a little heart in it. And it's practically mandatory to mention to the two actors that brought to life the two leads (and my favorite characters): Andrew Rannells (Price) and Josh Gad (Cunningham). These two have incredible chemistry and pull off their tandem real well. Another would be Nikki M. James who plays a young and naive African named Nabalungi. And a special mention to Rory O'Malley who portrayed Elder McKinley with such delight that you just can't help but hug him.
And it doesn't help that the songs are pretty awesome as well. The melodies easily get stuck in your head an makes you want to jump off your seat and start dancing. And most, if not all of the lyrics are quite hilarious (and sometimes profane) too and might appeal to the not-usual-Broadway-crowd...but if you are one of those who adore musicals, then you'd be surprised as to how many little nuggets are thrown your way. There are touches of The Lion King, The Sound of Music, Hairspray, The King and I, probably Spamalot! and even Wicked in there!
It is practically a gold mine at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre.
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Long rave is long...but this show deserves it. Hope you guys can catch it. If there's one show that you should splurge on then it is this. Seriously, this post doesn't give justice to how awesome TBOM is. It's definitely one of the best that's come out of Broadway this year.
But if you can't wait to watch it but are either A) broke B) have no time C) not in NYC D) not even in the freakin' United States and has no hope of going there whatsoever, then download the Cast Recording off iTunes or at Amazon as I had. It's worth every penny, I assure you. Or you could scour YouTube for videos...one good place to start is to check their
Tony Awards performance that rocked the house.
Look at that! I mean, how can you not want to watch this show???
