The Book Of Mormon at Ohio Theatre

Launching in 2011, The Book of Mormon has undoubtedly been one of the most accomplished Broadway musicals since its opening. Conceptualized by Trey Parker, Matt Stone, and Robert Lopez, the musical is based on the Latter-day Saints (LDS) founder and prophet Joseph Smith complete with his Book of Mormon. The show was originally meant to premiere off Broadway at the NYC Theatre workshop after its 2008 staged reading, though this turned out to be just a prelude as its actual debut in 2011 moved to a more prominent location at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre.

After a year, the Broadway play was already approved for a U.S. national tour that lasted four years, including a run in Salt Lake City, Utah, which marked the first time it would be performed there. The show also proceeded to be performed in several locations, with a Chicago production performed in 2012, a West End production in 2013, and Australian and European productions both produced in 2017.

The unconventionality and nonconformity of this musical were key factors to this success. It tells the story of Elder Kevin Price and Elder Arnold Cunningham, two LDS missionaries who embark on a mission to preach their faith in a remote village in Uganda. It is there that they struggle with the local issues that the villagers face, as well as their opposite methods in spreading their religion, given that Cunningham lies to the villagers by injecting hilarious tales woven from science fiction and fantasy stories into his religious teachings, while Price is bent on teaching the villagers in the usual, orthodox manner. The way the musical is shared with the audience is performed in quite an unorthodox manner as well, usually making fun of religion in its script and also injecting humor in both of its acts, including its upbeat showtunes.

For its current production, the Book of Mormon will be in Columbus in October at the grand theatre venue of Ohio Theatre, which holds an spectacular stage, sound system and acoustics, and best facilities that is fit for this critically-acclaimed musical. Tickets for the musical on Sunday 13th October 2024 are available for purchase by clicking the link above.