Since 2011 The Book of Mormon has shown tremendous staying power. The musical, created by South Park’s Trey Parker and Matt Stone, continues to sell out shows on Broadway and the West End and touring shows. A packed house of long-time fans and newbies gathered together on November 26^th for the opening night of the current tour which plays until December 1^st at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium.

This is the third time that the show has played in Calgary, and my fourth foray to Uganda with the Elders determined to spread the story of Joseph Smith. When one is as familiar with the show and songs as I am, what better way to enhance the experience then by going with a gay, ex-Morman friend who had never seen the show?

While watching his reaction was entertaining, learning how much research went into creating the show really showed. For example, the line And I believe that in 1978 God changed his mind about black people!! From I Believe references the Mormon Church changing policy in 1978 to allow Black Priests. The accuracy of the show for someone who has been in the faith was at times startling for him.

There are some small changes to the show. After the death of George Floyd in2020 black actors from the original and current casts signed a letter to the creative team warning that "when the show returns, all of our work will be viewed through a new lens." In response, the team collaborated with the New York cast at a two-week workshop in the summer of 2021, reviewing the intent, comic elements, and staging of each scene. The revised script aimed to give the villagers more agency and put them, not the missionaries, at the center of the work. This shows in the current production.

Joey Myers deserves a shout out for stepping into the role of Elder Cunninghamon opening night. A key part of the show is the chemistry between Cunningham and Elder Price, played brilliantly by Sam McLellan. Stepping in as Understudy can be daunting task especially on opening in a new city, but Myers delivery was engaging and hilarious. Keke Nesbitt’s Nabulungi brings the perfect warmth along with a dynamic voice to round out the three main characters.

The entire cast is dynamic. It’s such a bold, bright show and I always look forward to numbers like Turn it Off and Joseph Smith American Moses for the dancing and showmanship as much as the songs.

If you haven’t been one of the 20 million theatregoers that has seen The Book of Mormon around the world, you should take the chance. The show never disappoints, and his cast is a fitting addition to the legacy of the show. You will be singing Hasa Diga Eebowai in regret if you don’t!

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Contributor Jason Clevett |

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Locale Calgary |

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Topic Broadway Across Canada | Theatre |

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