Something incredible happened on Wednesday night. I checked one of my bucket list musicals off of my list when Book of Mormon made a stop in Chicago. I have a handful of musicals under my belt, but this was one of my favorite live shows I've ever experienced.
Something you need to know going into it (if you don't already) is that it's written by Matt Stone and Trey Parker, the creators of South Park. One of my cousins isn't a huge fan of South Park humor and by proxy doesn't like Book of Mormon, so if that's not your humor, you won't appreciate this.
If it is up your alley, strap in because you're going to love it.
The basic premise involves two young Mormons leaving on their two-year mission trip to Uganda. One begins to question his faith, the other begins to make things up to try to convert the village.
I was just scrolling through the soundtrack trying to debrief and choose my favorite songs, and I had so many favorite bits and I don't think I stopped smiling the duration of the show.
My most anticipated songs to see performed were Spooky Mormon Hell Dream, Joseph Smith American Moses, and Hasa Diga Eebowai. I think about SMHD at least once a day and how much FUN it was. BUT, I was also pleasantly surprised by the tap number and sequin vests in Turn It Off.
Our cast was also incredible and they're on tour right now. If you can catch it in your city, please do yourself a favor because it's one of the most entertaining experiences I have ever had in the theater. I'm adding this show to the list of shows I'd see every time it came to town.
I haven't posted about them, but I've seen two other shows in Chicago while they were on their national tour and I thought I'd include them here.
Before Book of Mormon, my cousin Gabby and I saw Cats.
I saw it a few years ago in South Bend and it was remarkable live. This isn't a show I listen to the soundtrack for, but seeing Memory performed live and watching the dance numbers is truly a performance. I was blown away by the stamina to belt, dance, and the acrobatics that go into the show, as well as the constant headspace to move on all fours. Incredible. Give it a chance, ignore the scary movie, and go see it once.
Last show up on my recent show roster was Anastasia. Take 'recent' with a grain of salt as this was in Chicago last September of October. While this one was not one of my bucket list shows, I am a huge fan of the cartoon and it was stunning to see live. If you are Bartok's #1 fan like I am, you'll be disappointed to know he and Rasputin are not in the stage production, but you'll get to hear A Rumor in St. Petersburg and that was all of the good feeling I really needed.
Which upcoming shows are on my radar?
Into the Woods starts in Chicago in two weeks and I do love the music from the show. I've never seen the film, but I remember the cast being stacked so maybe I'll give that a try before whipping out my wallet (do not advise for Cats.)
Aladdin looks beautiful and it's coming to Chicago in the middle of May to the Cadillac Palace (which is my favorite theater in Chicago.) Tickets seem to be reasonably priced for this show and over the years we've learned it's worth a few extra dollars for a better view (who remembers when I was stuck behind the big light during Rent?)
Hadestown is only here for a week and it's at the CIBC, both deal-breakers for me because I have a gut feeling ticket prices are going to be way high. My cousin (in every picture above) saw it last time it was here and had nothing but good things to say about it. I'm not as familiar with it, but we'll see as time gets closer, it's not in town until June.
Last but not least, Beetlejuice is going to be here for the bulk of November and this may be my most anticipated this year (next to BoM.) It's at the Auditorium, which I don't recall ever having been to, but I've got ticket notifications on for this one. :)
Comments
Post a Comment