Missionaries dressed in white shirts and black ties with a holy book in one hand and a smile on their faces aren’t here to knock on your door and teach you about religion this time. Instead, the actors portraying members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will be singing, dancing and entertaining you for two hours during the award-winning musical performance of “The Book of Mormon.” This comedy is about two men, Elder Kevin Price and Elder Arnold Cunningham, who try to preach the Mormon religion to a Ugandan village of people more concerned with problems of hunger, AIDS and tyrants. Guests will enjoy singing along to hits “You and Me (But Mostly Me),” “Baptize Me” and “I Am Here for You” among others from the highest-charting Broadway cast album since Disney’s “The Little Mermaid.”
Since its premiere in 2011, “The Book of Mormon” has won nine Tony Awards (including Best Musical), a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album and became one of the most successful Broadway musicals in history, grossing more than $500 million. Robert Lopez, co-writer of the musical “Avenue Q,” wrote it with Trey Parker and Matt Stone, creators of the Emmy-winning animated show “South Park.” It quickly became a fan and critic favorite, including being named “The Funniest Musical of All Time” by “Entertainment Weekly.” Although this show isn’t good for kiddos due to the explicit language, it would make for a great date night or friend outing for anyone who enjoys laughing until their sides hurt. “The Book of Mormon” pokes fun at the Mormon faith, and religion in general, in a light-hearted way that also emphasizes the importance of loving others — something we could all use a reminder of every now and then.
Date: January 22-27
Location: Music Hall at Fair Park