Two By Two: ‘The Book of Mormon’ Leaves Audiences Roaring!
The national tour of The Book of Mormon, currently playing at the Fisher Theatre in Detroit through April 6th, delivers a raucous and irreverent theatrical experience that proves to be just as entertaining and sharp as when it first debuted over a decade ago. The tour, which continues to be one of the most sought-after tickets in the world, has made its way to Detroit with a fresh cast featuring Vance Klassen (Understudy) as Elder Price and Diego Enrico as Elder Cunningham, two roles that, over time, have become iconic. Their performances bring new dimensions to the show while retaining the infectious energy and humor that have made the musical a cultural touchstone.
[Warning: spoilers from the North American touring production of The Book of Mormon are below!]
The Book of Mormon gives a unique perspective on the power of religion in modern society
The premise of The Book of Mormon, created by Trey Parker, Matt Stone (the minds behind the wildly successful South Park), and Robert Lopez (co-creator of the equally zany modern Broadway classic, Avenue Q), is as wild as it is hilarious. It follows two Mormon missionaries, Elder Price and Elder Cunningham, sent on their mission to Uganda to convert the locals. Elder Price has lived precisely how he’s supposed to, following every rule and commandment to a T, hoping that his prayers to go to Orlando, Florida, will be answered.
At the same time, his companion Elder Cunningham is excited to go just about anywhere with his new best friend, although he struggles to understand healthy boundaries in relationships. Together, they are taken from the comfortable world and thrust into what it means to be a missionary on a… well, a mission. The juxtaposition of the naive and idealistic Mormon missionaries and the rough-and-tumble realities of a war-torn, impoverished village creates a comedic landscape that allows for satirical jabs at religion, culture, and society as a whole.
An enthusiastic duo brings a new energy to this Trey Parker and Matt Stone musical
Vance Klassen steps into the shoes of Elder Price, the perfectionist and high-energy Mormon missionary who dreams of being sent to Orlando but is instead assigned to Uganda. Klassen is an excellent fit for the role, capturing Price’s fervent idealism and sense of entitlement. He brings a youthful charm to the role while also skillfully navigating the darker moments of Price’s journey. Klassen’s performance shines particularly in numbers like “I Believe,” where Elder Price attempts to reconcile his worldview with the harsh realities around him. His vocal prowess is exceptional, and his comedic timing is spot on.
Diego Enrico, as Elder Cunningham, brings a delightful sense of chaos and humor to the role of the well-meaning but socially awkward missionary. Cunningham is the foil to Elder Price—less confident, more clumsy, and prone to telling tall tales. Enrico’s portrayal is endearing, and his comedic chops are on full display throughout the performance. From the very first moment, he establishes Cunningham as a character with a big heart and an even bigger imagination.
Together, Klassen and Enrico have fantastic chemistry, with their contrasting personalities creating a perfect comedic dynamic. Whether it’s their playful rivalry or their eventual camaraderie, their interactions are at the heart of the show’s success. The relationship between Price and Cunningham is integral to the show’s message about friendship, growth, and understanding, and this cast brings that to life in a touching and hilarious way.
A dynamic cast and crew make The Book of Mormon exciting theater
The rest of the ensemble delivers a high-energy performance that complements the leads. The supporting cast, including the Ugandan villagers led by the character Nabulungi (played with strong vocals by Keke Nesbitt), contributes to the show’s energetic and dynamic atmosphere. The ensemble’s tight harmonies and choreography, led by director Jennifer Werner and choreographer Casey Nicholaw, are thrilling to watch. Nicholaw’s choreography keeps the show lively, helping to elevate the musical’s most memorable numbers like “Hasa Diga Eebowai” and “Spooky Mormon Hell Dream.”
The production values are top-notch, with scenic design by Scott Pask that effectively captures the contrasting worlds of the missionaries and the Ugandan village. The costumes by Ann Roth and the lighting design by Brian MacDevitt contribute to the immersive experience, with each scene feeling carefully crafted to complement the tone of the musical. The music, composed by Lopez, Parker, and Stone, continues to shine, with memorable and catchy tunes that combine humor and heart, with many pieces paying homage to other Broadway shows.
It is worth noting that this show might not be for everyone, as it does deal with mature topics that aren’t suitable for all ages and groups of people. What some might find hilarious, others might find offensive or inappropriate, so as always, it’s important to do your research before seeing a show to ensure that you’ll have a great time at the theater. That being said, for us, The Book of Mormon was a fantastic night out, and we can’t wait to see this show return to Detroit!
The national tour of The Book of Mormon at the Fisher Theatre is a must-see event for any musical theater fan. For those in Detroit, this is an opportunity to witness one of Broadway’s most beloved productions before it leaves town on April 6th. Tickets are limited and selling fast, so grab yours now! You can also catch The Book of Mormon when it visits a city near you! Have you seen this musical before? What are your thoughts on the story and music of this beloved show? Let us know on social media @boxseatbabes!
Kimberly Akimbo Music and Technical Aspects | The Box Seat Babes Podcast
