The Book of Mormon. Photo courtesy of Joan Marcus
[dropcap]F[/dropcap]or those who aren’t a regular part of the theater-going crowd, the idea of a musical production is something that is often met with a certain degree of cynicism by comparison to the never ending wave of mainstream entertainment.
So perhaps it was fate that a theatrical work like ‘The Book of Mormon’ came to be. Commonly known to the public as the critically acclaimed onstage production directed by Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the creators of the popular animated series ‘South Park’, The Book of Mormon has been blessed with a certain level of pop culture clout even before it’s first show.
The production is now primed to return to Detroit for a limited Summer engagement from July 1st – 13th, bringing with it a cast of fresh faces to the touring circuit; as well as a remarkable 9 Tony Awards and the 2011 Grammy Award for ‘Best Musical Theater Album’.
The show’s residency will take place at the esteemed Detroit Opera House, right in the heart of Downtown Detroit. Patrons can expect an experience that entertains on all fronts. From the musical’s elaborate set pieces and captivating soundtrack, to its sharp, ambitious wit; crowds and critics throughout the country have praised The Book of Mormon as nothing short of inspired.
The traveling company that will breathe life into The Book of Mormon on it’s current national tour is wonderfully varied in both experience and background.
The only member of the cast to hold their role in all three of the production’s runs through North America, AJ Holmes will once again reprise his as Elder Arnold Cunningham. But the University of Michigan graduate can look forward to being joined by many new faces to the show as well. C.J. Eldred, a fellow Michigan grad, will make his touring debut as standby to the role of Elder Kevin Price.
Looking to the story of how The Book of Mormon came to fruition, one can’t help but be taken back by how seemingly perfectly the pieces fell into place. Trey Parker and Matt Stone both decided to attend the opening of ‘Avenue Q’ on Broadway back in 2003, where they were met with the epiphany of wanting to do something very similar themselves.
As fate would have it, the work that Parker and Stone had created with South Park was a big inspiration to Avenue Q director, Bobby Lopez; who had even gone so far as to recognize the two in the ‘Thank You’ section of the Playbill. When Parker and Stone came to Lopez with their interest in creating a musical production about Joseph Smith and Mormonism, the idea felt like a match made in heaven. Now, years later, The Book of Mormon continues to delight fans and win acclaim from the public as an unquestionable triumph.
Those still looking to acquire tickets to one of the production’s 16 shows in Detroit will be thrilled to learn that The Book of Mormon is offering the public an opportunity at low priced tickets through a ‘lottery ticket policy’.
Patrons who wish to participate in the Ticket Lottery can visit the box office as early as two and half hours prior to the start of the show, and simply must submit their name and the number of tickets they wish to purchase (1 or 2) on a card that will be provided. Winners of the lottery will be drawn two hours before curtains and have the ability to purchase budgeted tickets at the price of $29 a piece.
The Book of Mormon at the Detroit Opera House (July 1st-13th)
- Tuesday through Saturday evening performances at 8:00 p.m.
- Sunday evening performances at 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday & Sunday matinees at 2:00 p.m.
- Thursday, July 10 matinee at 1:00 p.m.
- Saturday, July 12 at 2:00 p.m. is a special open captioned performance
- No performance on Friday, July 4
