Broadway in Chicago BOOK OF MORMON Review – Hello again Chicago!

Heavenly Father, where will I go on my mission?
Will it be China or ol' Mexico on my mission?

It could be San Fran by the bay
Australia where they say "G'day!"

Or perhaps Heavenly Father has answered the prayers of us here in Chicago and made this city the next mission stop. The BOOK OF MORMON has once again decided to pay a visit to Chicago bringing the popular musical back for a limited time.

Broadway in Chicago Goes to Africa

Anything involving a Broadway musical and Africa might have you thinking we’re in for the family-friendly Lion King. THE BOOK OF MORMON is the exact opposite as we’re not going to hear any uplifting hakuna matata’s here.

Two Mormon missionaries, Elder Price and Elder Cunningham are paired together for a mission to Uganda to spread the good Mormon word. However, when they arrive they find converting the people of Uganda is not going to be an easy task. As Elder Price’s confidence falters, Elder Cunningham emerges as an unlikely leader and perhaps could save the Ugandan Mormon mission.

Building off Other Musicals

As these two discover their respective paths on this trip, they work their way through a classic Broadway repertoire. Written by South Park creators, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, THE BOOK OF MORMON takes their parody and satirical style and works recognizable musical riffs into their songs - Annie, Wicked, and yes, even a reference to the Lion King.

Not only are these songs catchy enough to get stuck in your head, the story is also a fun one to follow, especially as its lead by two very different Mormon missionaries.

The Perfect Pair

Kevin Clay and Connor Peirson playing Elder Price and Elder Cunningham respectively, lean into their characters’ polar opposite personalities to create a dynamic duo. Peirson plays Elder Cunningham with unbridled optimism, even when he and Elder Price are in the bleakest of situations. And Clay as Elder Price holds his poise trying to be the best Mormon he can be. Together they play off each other to create an engaging and comedic pair.

This BOOK OF MORMON tour is sure to please fans of the musical as this production is the same as we’ve seen before. Though it might not be the best fit for families with small children (the entire show is adult content), it would be a good fit for anyone who likes comedic, parody musicals.

RECOMMENDED

Note: This is now added to the Picture this Post round up of BEST PLAYS IN CHICAGO, where it will remain until the end of the run. Click here to read — Top Picks for Theater in Chicago NOW – Chicago Plays PICTURE THIS POST Loves.

Watch this video showing the TOP PICK PLAYS of 2019

When:

Now through December 2, 2018
Tuesdays-Fridays at 7:30pm
Saturdays at 2:00pm and 8:00pm
Sundays at 2:00pm and 7:30pm

Where:

Oriental Theatre
24 W Randolph Street
Chicago, IL

Tickets:

$40-$150

for more information Please visit Broadway in Chicago website

Photos Julieta Cervantes

Note: Picture This Post reviews are excerpted by Theatre in Chicago

Alexis Bugajski Photo: Liz Lin

About the Author

Alexis is a theater reviewer, travel bug, media specialist, and burger & beer enthusiast. During the day she works in the advertising business as a senior communications designer. When night falls, or when she can escape to New York, she’s hitting the theaters to see as many shows as she can. And whenever she’s not at her desk or in the audience, she’s out seeking the best burger and beer offerings in Chicago.

Editor's Note:  Click here to read more Picture this Post articles by Alexis Bugajski

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