Theatre

5 things we learned from watching The Book of Mormon in Melbourne

The Australian cast of The Book of Mormon performed for family and friends at Melbourne’s Princess Theatre last night and we were lucky enough to get in on the action too.

Performing for your loved ones can be nerve-wracking at the best of times but with the gaze of the Australian theatre scene firmly fixed on the show’s premiere, we can only imagine the stage fright that was occurring backstage. Not that you could tell, with their first ever, with-audience production going off without a hitch.

Here’s a few things we learned from the Australian production of The Book of Mormon:

1. There isn’t a weak link in the show

It isn’t just the leading roles that impressed us throughout the night but more the skill of the entire cast. Every member of the ensemble pulls their weight in the show, with hilarious facial expressions, comic timing and perfect vocals resulting in a flawless and to-the-detail delivery.

2. Prepare to laugh awkwardly in public

It’s true what they say, The Book of Mormon’s brand of funny is unlike anything else in the theatre world. Thankfully after a few acts in, you’ll become accustomed to laughing uncontrollably in public and will quickly master the art of sniggering in your seat without fear of judgement.

3. Turn It Off

This really is one of the smartest (and sarkiest) soundtracks around. Turn It Off is one of the finest example of just how much of an emotional rollercoaster some of these songs are. Complete with sequin jackets for good measure…

4. Elder Cunningham steals the show

AJ Holmes is well accustomed to the role of Arnold Cunningham and it shows. The American star has been allowed to put his own spin on the character ever since he impressed writers Matt Stone and Trey Parker at the audition stages. Since then, AJ’s appeared in The Book of Mormon on Broadway, London’s West End and now Oz. Instead of dwelling on his character’s loser-ish persona, AJ appears to embrace Cunningham’s naive nature and molds him into someone creative, adventurous and, almost, sort of, inspiring.

5. It lives up to the hype

You’d have to try pretty hard to miss the buzz around The Book of Mormon’s arrival down under but even then, first-timers may still find them surprised by the show. If you’re expecting straight-forward mocking and harsh digs at religion, think again. This production continues, as it has done across the globe, to be something far more sensitive and (oddly) kind-hearted than most expect.

The Book of Mormon is now booking (and selling fast!) at Melbourne’s Princess Theatre – secure your seat sharpish via Ticketmaster.com.au/thebookofmormon.

Related links:

Meet the cast of Australia’s The Book of Mormon

The Book of Mormon fans queue around the block for first Aussie tickets