Los Angeles Review: "The Book of Mormon" at The Ahmanson
Jill Weinlein - Chief LA Theatre Critic
When I saw "THE BOOK OF MORMON" in 2014 in Los Angeles, I didn’t love it, and was thankful I didn’t bring my teenage daughter. Even though it was a winner of nine Tony Awards including Best Musical, the over-the-top humor made me uncomfortable at times.
Now at The Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles, the National Touring musical has been tweaked, recast and is much more fun to watch.
“The Book of Mormon” features book, music and lyrics by the primary creators of the hit-comedy show South Park, Trey Parker, Robert Lopez and Matt Stone. Co-directed by Casey Nicholaw and Trey Parker, the show cleverly opens with the captivating “Hello” song. Ten newbie Elders practice their door knocking skills, similar to “The Telephone Hour” from another popular musical “Bye, Bye Birdie.”
Orchestrations by Larry Hochman and Stephen Oremus, as well as, music direction and vocal arrangements by Stephen Oremus are memorable. “Two by Two” about newly trained Latter-Day Saints missionaries awaiting the news of their two-year assignments is entertaining to watch.
The casting is perfect with not just one stand out performer, but multiple talented Broadway professionals, including handsome Elder Price (Liam Tobin) hoping to be assigned to Orlando, instead of to a remote village in Uganda with a frumpy, storytelling Elder Cunningham (Jordan Matthew Brown).
Ready to preach the teachings of John Smith and Brigham Young of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Brown is brilliant as a lovable underdog. His mannerisms of constantly pushing his glasses up on his nose and pulling his pants up is the polar opposite of confident Price. Cunningham is happy to be a puppy-dog follower, as Price leads the path in another winning number “You and Me (But Mostly Me).
While the villagers sing “Hasa Diga Eebowai” translated in English as "F**k You, God" the choreography is fun to watch as the cast delve into pedophilia, AIDS, genital mutilation, and famine, as a gang of thugs carrying scary weapons, violently threaten the lives of everyone. Standouts in this scene include golden voice villager Terrie Lynne and Nabulungi (Alyah Chanelle Scott).
Another catchy number by the Elders includes “Turn it Off” showcasing the talented Elder McKinley (Andy Huntington Jones). Lighting designer Brian MacDevitt was clever turning the stage lights on and off to make the Broadway-style dance scene in this number, one of many surprises in this show.
As Hamilton enlightens audiences about the American revolution, the songs and choreography for “All American Prophet”, “Making Things Up Again” and “I Believe” present satirical examinations of the Church of Jesus Christ LDS beliefs and practices.
Elder Cunningham shines in the rockin’ “Man Up” number, and has the audience chuckle and shake their head throughout the show when he addresses Nabulungi by another name every time they meet, including calling her “Nissan Altima.”
Alyah Chanelle Scott’s solo about longing for a place like "Sal Tlay Ka Siti" is star quality. She is precious singing the double entendre number “Baptize Me” with Brown. They both receive a deserved enthusiastic applause.
After intermission the audience holds on for a wild ride with Elder Price’s "Spooky Mormon Hell Dream.” The entirely red set with projections of flames and appearances by Lucifer, Hitler, Genghis Khan, Jeffrey Dahmer, and Johnnie Cochran is crazy, over the top to watch. Costume designer Ann Roth must have had fun time dressing these characters and the ensemble as dancing skeletons and devils.
Just when you think it can’t get any more crude, the Ugandans re-enacting "Joseph Smith American Moses” oversteps boundaries with bestiality and sexual acts simulated on stage.
In the end, the underdog becomes a hero, friendships are mended and we see the Ugandans reprise the opening “Hello” song. Don’t wait to purchase tickets for a “Latter Day”, buy your tickets today.
Cast: Liam Tobin, Jordan Matthew Brown, Alyah Chanelle Scott, Andy Huntington Jones, Jacques C. Smith, Ron Bohmer, Corey Jones, Jacob Ben-Shmuel, Isaiah Tyrelle Boyd, Tsilala Brock,Ricardo Coke-Thomas, Scott Difford, Daniel Fetter, Patrick Graver, Bre Jackson, Will Lee-Williams, Terrie Lynne, Josh Marin, Henry McGinniss, Luke Monday, Stoney B. Mootoo, Dylan James Mulvaney, Nurney, Eddie Olmo II, Kent Overshown, Monica L. Patton, Christian Probst, J Nycole Ralph, Connor Russell, Jonathan Sangster, Sean Seymour, Matthew Sims, Jr., Leonard E. Sullivan, Steven Telsey and Brinie Wallace.
The Ahmanson offers a lottery ticket policy for the National Tour, which plays a limited six-week engagement through March 29, 2020. The production will conduct a pre-show lottery at the box office, making a limited number of tickets available at $25 apiece.
Entries will be accepted at the box office beginning two and a half hours prior to each performance; each person will print their name and the number of tickets (1 or 2) they wish to purchase on a card that is provided. Two hours before curtain, names will be drawn at random for a limited number of tickets priced at $25 each. Only one entry is allowed per person. Winners must be present at the time of the drawing and show valid ID to purchase tickets. Limit one entry per person and two tickets per winner. Tickets are subject to availability.
Tickets for “The Book of Mormon” are available online at CenterTheatreGroup.org, by calling Audience Services at (213) 972-4400 or in person at the Center Theatre Group Box Office (at the Ahmanson Theatre at The Music Center in Downtown Los Angeles). Ticket prices start at $45 (subject to change). The Ahmanson Theatre is located at The Music Center, 135 N. Grand Avenue in Downtown L.A. 90012.