Thu. December 20, 2012
By Michael J. Roberts
For the Chicago run, directors Casey Nicholaw (who is also the choreographer) and Trey Parker have brought a mix of "Mormon" veterans and new recruits. As Elder Price, the sensational Nic Rouleau comes directly from the Broadway production. Rouleau has moves through the role with ease and has great comic chemistry his co-star, Ben Platt. Platt's Elder Cunningham steals every scene he is in. A svelte Platt has a much different take on his lonely character than is usually played and which was originally created by Josh Gad. Mr. Platt also has a phenomenal tenor voice that he gets to let loose on a few occasions. American Idol alum Syesha Mercado, who just arrived last week, is heavenly as Nabulungi and possesses a sultry alto voice that can shake the roof off the theatre; while Steppenwolf stalwart James Vincent Meredith get to show his vocall and comic chops as Mercado's father.
Musically, The Book of Mormon is on par with some of the greatest scores of all time (although I suggest you hum the tunes in public rather than sing the lyrics out loud). Modern as "Mormon" is, it is also a throwback to the musicals of the 1950's and early 60's with an opening number ("Hello") reminiscent of the Telephone Song in Bye Bye Birdie, and odes to classic and modern shows such as The Music Man, Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Wicked, Little Shop of Horrors, Once on this Island, The Lion King and a hilarious send up of "Uncle Tom's Cabin" from The King & I.
What Parker and Stone's projects are known for (as well as Lopez with Avenue Q), beyond the shock value of the dialogue, is the bigger moral lesson in their work. The Book of Mormon ultimately is about the simple notion of believing in the innate good of humanity rather than relying on institutions to define us. Whether you are gay, straight, agnostic or devotedly religious, it is the belief that the individual can make mankind a better place; and inside all the humor and satire of The Book of Mormon, that basic truth shines through.
As a side note; I would highly recommend that frogs not enter the theater.
The Book of Mormon is playing at the Bank of America Theatre, 18 W. Monroe St., Chicago. Tickets are available at all Broadway In Chicago Box Offices (24 W. Randolph St., 151 W. Randolph St., 18 W. Monroe St. and 175 E. Chestnut), the Broadway In Chicago Ticket Kiosk at Water Tower Place (845 N. Michigan Ave.), the Broadway In Chicago Ticket Line at (800) 775?2000, all Ticketmaster retail locations (including Hot Tix and select Carson Pirie Scott, Coconuts and fye stores), and online at www.BroadwayInChicago.com. Prices range from $45 – $115. A select number of premium seats are also available. Groups of 15 or more can call (312) 977-1710 to purchase tickets. In addition, there are 20 tickets held for each performance that will be sold through a drawing two and a half hours prior to each performance. For calendar information, please visit www.theatreinchicago.com
Photo Credit: Joan Marcus
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