The Book Of Mormon

Phyre Hawkins, Ryan Bondy, A.J. Holmes. Photo: Jeff Busby

Lewd, crude, violent and hilariously funny.

The smash hit musical created by Trey Parker, Robert Lopez and Matt Stone challenges the notion of traditional musical theatre as it takes shots at The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Although the story focuses on the Mormon religion very little background knowledge is required, the production does a great job explaining the vital teachings and beliefs of the religion in order to push the story along.

The main story of The Book of Mormon follows two young missionaries, Elder Kevin Price (Ryan Bondy) and Elder Arnold Cunningham (A.J. Holmes), during their first mission to convert the people of a remote village in Uganda. Along the way the unlikely pair of missionaries have some life changing epiphanies of their very own.

Whilst the entire cast is incredible with their performances, A.J. Holmes ultimately steals the show with his quick whit and snappy comedic timing providing an inordinate number of laughs during the show.

Given Trey Parker and Matt Stone’s history writing South Park it was a given that this show was going to be filled with expletives, toilet humour and crude social commentary. The unexpected element here though is the addition of incredibly catchy music, lyrics and dance numbers which will draw in audiences not typically interested in musical theatre.

Throughout the show the audience will find themselves laughing out loudly, even when they know they shouldn’t be. South Park fans will enjoy the subtle nods to the television show whilst traditional musical theatre attendees will simultaneously find themselves smiling from ear to ear.

Until Sep 2. Sydney Lyric Theatre, 55 Pirrama Rd, Pyrmont. $77-$155+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.bookofmormonmusical.com.au

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Also published on Alt Media