The Book of Mormon
How often does a truly original musical succeed on Broadway? Most shows
are either based on familiar stories, revivals of old shows, or
"jukebox theater" like Mama Mia or Jersey Boys. Somehow, Parker, Stone
and Lopez pushed this unlikely concept through, and the result is
nothing short of miraculous.
I saw the show on Broadway and loved
it, but the music was so tightly integrated into the story that I
wasn't sure if would stand on its own. Rest assured, however, that it
does. I have a number of other cast albums, and even from musicals I
really liked, there are always a few tracks that I merely tolerate - or
skip over - to get to my favorites, but in this show, *all* the songs
are gems. OK, "I am Africa" is pretty cheesy, but that's the point; it's
supposed to be, and like everything else they do it really well.
Right up front, let me warn you: the show and the music are *very* profane and *very* blasphemous. If you know Parker and Stone, you know they pull no punches and take no prisoners. If those things bother you - at all - you will probably hate this album. Otherwise, you will see that, just like South Park, behind the satire and cynicism, there's joy, innocence, and (to use the word so many reviewers have used) "sweetness". There's also a genuine affection for Mormons. They get a lot of mileage out of Mormon dogma and practices, but are never really mean about it - and they have all their facts straight. The heroes are, and remain, Latter Day Saints (and it's worth noting that they are never themselves profane or blasphemous). it wouldn't shock me if this ends up increasing, rather than decreasing, interest in the Mormon faith.
How can songs as satirical and crude as these still manage to pull your heart strings and sometimes even bring a tear to your eye? Seriously, getting misty over Salt Lake City - eh, I mean "Sal Tlay Ka Siti"? Who else could pull that off?
The surprising thing is that at heart, it's a very traditional, by the numbers musical. Except for the novelty, there are no gimmicks. It's got big show tunes, traditional choreography, and a simple, even insipid plot. One might even call it an homage of sorts, because there are nods to lots of other musicals in there - most obviously Lion King, but plenty of others, too. In some ways, this is the biggest triumph of the show. While others are convinced you have to, oh I don't know, drop actors from webs to entertain audiences, these guys prove that good music, good humor, and classic feel good message will send them home happy.
Right up front, let me warn you: the show and the music are *very* profane and *very* blasphemous. If you know Parker and Stone, you know they pull no punches and take no prisoners. If those things bother you - at all - you will probably hate this album. Otherwise, you will see that, just like South Park, behind the satire and cynicism, there's joy, innocence, and (to use the word so many reviewers have used) "sweetness". There's also a genuine affection for Mormons. They get a lot of mileage out of Mormon dogma and practices, but are never really mean about it - and they have all their facts straight. The heroes are, and remain, Latter Day Saints (and it's worth noting that they are never themselves profane or blasphemous). it wouldn't shock me if this ends up increasing, rather than decreasing, interest in the Mormon faith.
How can songs as satirical and crude as these still manage to pull your heart strings and sometimes even bring a tear to your eye? Seriously, getting misty over Salt Lake City - eh, I mean "Sal Tlay Ka Siti"? Who else could pull that off?
The surprising thing is that at heart, it's a very traditional, by the numbers musical. Except for the novelty, there are no gimmicks. It's got big show tunes, traditional choreography, and a simple, even insipid plot. One might even call it an homage of sorts, because there are nods to lots of other musicals in there - most obviously Lion King, but plenty of others, too. In some ways, this is the biggest triumph of the show. While others are convinced you have to, oh I don't know, drop actors from webs to entertain audiences, these guys prove that good music, good humor, and classic feel good message will send them home happy.
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