PHOTO BY JULIETA CERVANTES
In the 1820’s in upstate New York, Joseph Smith experienced the miraculous vision of an angel and books of gold-plates that were buried in the earth. He began gathering a following that today has grown to an estimated sixteen million believers known as the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints, also called the Mormons. Brigham Young continued Smith’s work and moved the religious seekers to the borders of Utah. Now you are invited to take part in that amazing transformation at Waterbury’s Palace Theater from Tuesday, April 9 to Sunday, April 14 for eight performances only as "The Book of Mormon” comes to town. Winner of nine Tony Awards, among dozens of other accolades, it has been called by New York Times critic Ben Brantley “the best musical of the century."
The creators of the television cartoon series “South Park” claim the rights to this irreverent satire: Trey Parker, Robert Lopez and Matt Stone. “The Book of Mormon” concerns a pair of young missionaries sent out from Utah to convert the world. This is a door-to-door attempt to sell beliefs, similar to an Avon lady or a Fuller Brush man. The goal is to bring enlightenment to the uninformed. Their lucky assignment is Uganda, in the remote and dark regions of Africa.
Unhappily for eager to please Elder Kevin Price, he had his heart set on being assigned to Orlando, Florida for his conversion work for his two year mission. He certainly didn’t plan on being partnered with the nerdy and nebbishy Elder Arnold Cunningham who never bothered to even learn the approved script or bother to read the Book of Mormon, their sacred text.
The situation in Uganda is not welcoming. The incongruous pair are quickly robbed and then learn that the villagers are so busy battling poverty, famine, war and AIDS they have little time for prayer meetings.
The team of two struggle to make a difference and have obstacles placed in their rocky path at every turn. Their faith is tested repeatedly and yet, despite all odds, many miraculous things occur. With song and dance and incredible stories, “The Book of Mormon” manages to amuse, astonish and entertain in heavenly ways. Be forewarned the language is not always sweet and pure.
For tickets ($39 and up), call the Palace Theater, 100 East Main Street, Waterbury at 203-346-2000 or online at www.palacetheater.org. Performances are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m and Sunday at 1 p.m and 6:30 p.m.
Answer your door bell to discover the messengers from God who are ready to offer you salvation, redemption and an angelic host of humor.
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