The show: “The Book of Mormon” at the Shubert Theatre in New Haven.
What makes it special?: Broadway road show plays the intimate presenting house for the first time.
First impressions: This is my third go-round for what has become one of my favorite musicals. First view, on Broadway. Second, in its Connecticut touring bow at Hartford’s The Bushnell, and now at the cozier Shubert Theatre. It’s as glorious as ever.
What’s the story?: Two young Mormon lads — Elder Price, a gleaming golden boy (David Larsen) and Elder Cunningham, a nebbish schlub (standby Conner Peirson the night I saw it) — receive their mission statement from Salt Lake City church headquarters for their required two-year stint of divine recruitment work around the world.
Their assignment?: It ain’t Paris. Or even Orlando. It’s Uganda, where the signups have been unsurprisingly zero and the young, smiling and buttoned-and-bunkered-down “elders” already stationed there need a lift from the odd-couple newbies. But they face villagers in extreme poverty confronting a rampaging warlord, genital mutilation and AIDS. And, oh yes, maggots in their scrotum.
Well, that certainly sounds like a musical: Despite its anal-centric and rude humor (including a divine finger wave), it’s really an old-fashioned musical, complete with tap dancing, power ballads, anthems, big “I want” numbers and all the beloved tropes that come with the classic conventions of the greatest of musicals — many of them that premiered at the Shubert.
It’s a buddy picture, a sweet love story and an inspirational tome all rolled into one of the most brilliantly conceived and executed works I’ve come across. The succession of killer musical numbers is breathtaking. And this time out, I more fully appreciated the wit of Casey Nicholaw’s choreography and Ann Roth’s costumes.
So it all works?: Miraculously. Creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone (of TV’s “South Park”), Nicholaw and Robert Lopez (Broadway’s “Avenue Q,” the film “Frozen”) have made a musical that strikes the perfect tone. Too real and it’s staggeringly offensive. Too coy, and it’s indulgent and unfunny. It’s just earnest enough.
But mocking religions…: It mocks mythologies that religions — and other groups of the faithfully devoted — employ. Joseph Smith. George Lucas. Tomato, tomahto. Meanwhile, the show gives a big old hug to good-hearted souls of any persuasion.
And this production?: It maintains that perfect pitch. The question for touring shows of hit Broadway musicals is whether the road cast and production values are up to expectations — and high ticket prices. The answer here is yes. (And the sound system at the Shubert was spot-on Wednesday night, and all the hysterically funny lyrics came through nicely.)
Highlight: Candace Quarrels is a knockout as Nabulungi, the African maiden whom Elder Cunningham falls for. And for good reason. She’s funny, sweet, real, charismatic and has a voice that you only come across once in a great while. I don’t know where she’s been (the bio says she’s out of Belmont University in Nashville), but I do know where she is going. Straight to the top.
And the rest of the cast?: They had me at “hello!” Larsen is a joy as the hero who falls from grace (but rebounds after that proctologist visit). Peirson does fine in the audience-friendly role of the schlubby misfit. (Cody Jamison Strand usually has that role).
Hat-tips, too, to Daxton Bloomquist, the young elder who has mastered the Mormon light switch; Christopher Shyer in multiple roles, including a loopy Joseph Smith; David Aron Damane, who plays the deadpan warlord; and Melvin Brandon Logan as the itchy doctor.
Who will like it?: Fans of “South Park,” outrageous satire and the traditional Broadway musical. The Orlando Tourist Bureau. Some Mormons, too.
Who won’t?: Those who just can’t get past some really objectionable language. There’s really no getting around that one. Some Mormons, too.
For the kids?: Well, if you let them watch “South Park,” then …
Twitter review in 140 characters or less: Mission accomplished.
Thoughts on leaving the parking lot: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints took a savvy approach to the show — this one is nearly sold out — that seemingly mocks the wild stories of its religion (and what faith doesn’t have some tall tales for its followers to swallow) but not its people. The tour’s theater programs feature ads for the church showing examples of the beaming faithful under the headline: “I’ve read the book.” Very clever. And on Wednesday night, there were two young Mormon missionaries outside the theater. So many souls to save, so little time before curtain. Note: The show was a smash when it played Salt Lake City. Hello!
The basics: “THE BOOK OF MORMON” continues through Sunday, Oct. 18, at the Shubert Theatre at 247 College St., New Haven. The running time is about 2 hours and 30 minutes, including one intermission. Performances are Thursday at 7:30 p.m.; Friday at 8 p.m.; Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m.; and Sunday at 1 and 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 to $180. Information at shubert.com and 800-745-3000.
