Get ready to laugh out loud or get up and walk out of "The Book of Mormon,” gracing the stage of Barbara B. Mann as the touring production makes a quick stop in Fort Myers this weekend only.
I have seen this show three times and while I still wince at some scenes, the show sinfully has me coming back for more with high energy and fantastic musical performances.
However, if you’re easily offended, I am going to recommend you not go see this show, as it can push the limits of what some might consider inappropriate when it comes to poking fun at religion.
Now that I have that out of the way, for anyone who isn’t familiar with this Broadway musical by Matt Stone and Trey Parker, the creators of "South Park," it tells the story of young Mormon missionaries who are sent to Africa to spread the good word.
The show revolves around two mismatched missionaries, the first being the overly ambitious Elder Price, played brilliantly by the energetic Sam McLellan, whose real dream is to spread the word in Orlando. His nerdy sidekick, Elder Cunningham, is played by Diego Enrico, who steals the show and leaves audiences laughing throughout. Both actors have pleasant vocal ranges.
The two, along with a number of well-meaning missionaries, attempt to convert the residents of a village in Uganda that is plagued with warlords. After the show opened on Broadway in 2011, it met criticism for its treatment of race, including some cast members. The show was revised to address some of the concerns.
One of the show's biggest strengths is the awesome soundtrack. Among them are “Hello” and “Turn It Off,” along with an unbelievably quick costume change by the missionaries into sparkly pink vests.
Actor Keke Nesbitt also delivers an outstanding performance as Nabulungi, one of the main characters and the love interest of Cunningham. The two deliver what is probably the funniest baptism scene in history.
If you don’t have plans this weekend and you’re brave enough to see it, I would suggest getting tickets for this bold, hilarious comedy and daring yourself to enjoy it.
Tickets for the “The Book of Mormon” can be purchased for performances on March 8 and 9.
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