:

The
story is a simple one of two young Mormon missionaries who are sent on
their two year mission to convert people to the Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter Day Saints also known as the Mormon Church.  Elder Cunningham
(Christopher John O’Neill) is a compulsive liar who has never read the
Book, and interprets the writings, and religion, in his own way, while
Elder Price (Mark Evans) just knows he is bound for incredible feats for
the church and has no doubt that his prayers will be answered to be
sent to Orlando, Florida, for his mission. Elders Price and Cunningham
find themselves being sent to northern Uganda where they are greeted by
having their luggage stolen.

It
is at this point that the work of Parker, Lopez and Stone kicks in.
They started off with a sweet, funny song “Hello” that introduces the
Mormon boys and incorporate the story of the founding of the religion,
the latter being repeated a few times. The writers begin with the
African natives, using their potty mouth humor to aim jokes, and satire,
at AIDS, Gays, the rape of children, mutilation of female genital, to
just name a few subjects they tackle from a juvenile point of view. What
other writers could use the expression “Maggots in my crotch” at least a
half a dozen times and get a laugh each time? The audience knows what
to expect from these writers and would be let down if Mormon Elders
didn’t come out tap dancing in bright pink sequined vests. For those not
familiar with Parker,Stone and Lopez there are signs all over,
including on the theatre ticket, “Parental Advisory: Explicit Language”
and there certainly is a lot of that.

The
main story is of the relationship between Price and Cunningham and
their trying to convert the villagers to Mormonism along with a love
story between Cunningham and a villager, Nabulungi (Samantha Marie Ware)
with the former eventually baptising the latter and how it affects the
whole village.

The
writers take jabs at Broadway shows from “The Lion King” to “The King
and I” while the choreographer, and co-director with Trey Parker,  Casey
Nicholaw hasn’t met a Broadway dance step that he doesn’t love and
incorporates into the show. With the exception of the proscenium scenery
the sets look ragged and the costumes are nothing special.

Mark
Evans as Elder Price is appealing and does an excellent job singing “I
Believe” and “Orlando” while Christopher John O’Neill does all the
Broadway schtick that the writers and directors hand him. They both
deliver singing “Two By Two”, “I Am Here For You” and joining ensemble
players in “Turn It Off” and “Man Up”.  Samantha Marie Ware, as an love
interest for one of the boys, has a very good voice but is, at times,
hard to understand. The leads, supporting cast, and the 9 piece
orchestra under the direction of  Justin Mendoza, received a standing
ovation.

Running time: Each act is an hour and there is a 20 minute intermission.

Coming next to the BPAC is the new version of “The Wizard of Oz” with additional music by Andrew Lloyd Webber January 7-19.