To just not get 'the book of Mormon' spoiler alert

102 replies

storminabuttercup · 06/05/2022 22:57

So the Book of Mormon hit our city last month, think it's on a 4 week run. I love the theatre, love musicals, so when my friend asked me to go when the tickets got released 3 years ago I just said yes. Knew little about it. Did a bit of reading before we went this week, was expecting adult humour etc. Everyone kept saying I'd love it, it's amazing, so funny.
Now don't get me wrong, I laughed at some bits, but none of the songs were great and to be honest the 'sex with a baby' gag turned My stomach.

I can't be the only one who thinks it's overhyped and a bit crap? To me it was trying to be controversial!

OP posts:

Ratrick · 09/05/2022 18:11

ResentfulLemon · 09/05/2022 10:15

YABU. We thought Book of Mormon was brilliant, the ultra critical view that Stone and Parker have of how religion twists things to suit a specific agenda but at the same time can be helpful is faultless. Including weaving more modern 'devotions' like Star Wars and Lord of the Rings into the narrative some fans truly behave like they are religions

The Ugandan side of things was really uncomfortable, but again - they were shining a light on some of the ludicrous things that are still happening and believed in some African countries.

Stone and Parker are universally critical of everything. All countries are ridiculous, all religions are liable to be mocked...although they are do appear slightly obsessed with Mormons the film Orgasmo centred on them too

As a musical, the songs hold their own and I still listen to them on my playlist...plus they're a huge improvement on their first musical - Cannibal the musical (although there are some irritatingly catchy songs in that).

and for the snippy PP there's nothing generic about my husband or me

I generally like Parker and Stone, but I’m not sure what exactly to make of the portrayal of the Ugandans. You say it was to shine a light on certain ongoing practices in that country whereas others have perceived it as an anti-colonialism message.

I don’t believe their intention was to go for easy, racist laughs (that isn’t their MO) but, I do think if you’re going to invoke racist tropes to make an anti-racist point, then you need to stick the landing. (Caveat - I’m white, so take my defence of invoking racist stereotypes at all with a mountain of salt).

Anyway, for me, that’s the shows shortcoming. They did a really good job on the Mormon side of things but whatever point they were trying to make with the Ugandans feels underdeveloped, which can make for uncomfortable viewing.

Comefromaway · 09/05/2022 18:21

In the updated version it shows some of these beliefs as having come from Facebook so actually from western cultures.

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