[dropcap]Described by Vogue as “the filthiest, most offensive and surprising thing on Broadway,” The Book of Mormon tells the story of two young Mormon missionaries ignorantly forcing their faith on citizens of a Ugandan village. The Tony Award-winning musical lackadaisically covers hard-hitting topics like AIDS, cancer, racism and sexual violence with crude humor. Ugandan villagers are depicted in a rude and demeaning manner. Despite the crude elements, The Book of Mormon was the winner of nine Tony Awards in 2011, including Best Musical, and has sold out performances throughout the world. Despite the fact that Mormons are depicted as naive main characters, according to creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ response has been good-natured. In 2013, the Church bought three full-page ads in Playbill, including an ad that says “The book is better,” referring to the Book of Latter-day Saints. Parker and Stone aren’t new to controversy. The duo has produced satirical comedic shows like Cannibal! The Musical, That’s My Bush and the Comedy Central hit series South Park. The groundbreaking animated series boasts 19 seasons.
See the controversy for yourself when the The Book of Mormon premieres at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center on Nov 17, the first of eight performances. The show is presented by the PAC Trust. Tickets begin at $35. For more information about tickets and showtimes, visit www.tulsapac.com.
