'Book of Mormon' is a 'sometimes raunchy, but ultimately joyful musical': REVIEW

A doorbell rings and there’s a cheerful, clean-cut Mormon teen, offering a book he says will change your life.

Multiply that by about a dozen and you’ve got the iconic opening number of “The Book of Mormon,” a hilarious, sometimes raunchy, but ultimately joyful musical, now on stage at Kravis Center in West Palm Beach.

Anyone familiar with the animated show “South Park” will not be surprised by the type of humor in “The Book of Mormon.” Matt Stone and Trey Parker created the TV show, and, along with Robert Lopez, wrote the book, music, and lyrics for the musical. Stone and Parker spoofed Mormonism on a 2003 episode of “South Park,” titled, “All About Mormons.”

“The Book of Mormon” premiered on Broadway in 2011 and won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

The story focuses on Elder Price, the very image of a perfect Mormon. He’s about to undertake the two-year mission required of every unmarried Mormon, and he dreams of being assigned to his dream location in Orlando. Instead, he is assigned to Uganda, and teamed with Elder Cunningham, a sweet, nerdy, compulsive liar and pop culture expert who gloms onto Elder Price, and pronounces them best friends.

In Uganda, the villagers aren’t interested in what the missionaries have to say. They are more concerned by the reality of their lives — poverty, AIDS, and the warlord general who demands that every girl and woman in the village undergo female genital mutilation. After witnessing something shocking, Elder Price leaves, abandoning his mission and dumping Elder Cunningham. But when Nabulungi, a spirited young woman, comes to Elder Cunningham and asks to learn more about the religion and the paradise it promises, he sees his chance to become the Mormon he’s always wanted to be. So what if he’s never actually read the book? Elder Cunningham wields his pop culture knowledge to convert the villagers, with uproarious results.

“The Book of Mormon” boasts some impressive production numbers, including “Turn It Off,” a tap number by the Mormon missionaries in Uganda; “Spooky Mormon Hell Dream,” which Elder Price experiences after leaving his mission; and “I Am Africa,” performed by the very white missionaries.

Sam McLellan imbues Elder Price with the right mix of narcissism and affability, and has a strong voice, showcased on several songs, including “I Believe.” Diego Enrico plays Elder Cunningham as the ultimate nerd, and deftly portrays his arc from hopeless to hero. His “Man Up” is one of the highlights of the show.

Keke Nesbitt, who grew up in West Palm Beach, graduated from Dreyfoos School of the Arts and attended theater camp at Kravis Center, delivers a terrific performance as Nabulungi. Nesbitt possesses a powerful voice, and her Nabulungi is engaging and admirable, pulling off an impressive mix of wisdom and wide-eyed innocence. Her solo of “Sa Tlay Ka Siti” and her duet with Enrico on “Baptize Me” are both poignant and funny.

Sure, the humor in “The Book of Mormon” is mildly crude and kind of sacrilegious. But it’s also clever and original, and at its core has a lot to say about friendship and faith. It’s also one of the funniest musicals ever, making it a must-see show.

“The Book of Mormon” runs through March 16, at Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach. For tickets and more information, call 561-832-7469 or visit Kravis.org