The Magical, Fantastical Epic Production From J. K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” Soars into the National Theatre DC and You Don’t Want to Miss This!
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
National Theatre DC
Jordan Wright
July 18, 2025
 Cast of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (North American Tour) at the National Theatre DC. (Photo/Matthew Murphy)
For all you Potter fans out there, and there are legions of you who have read all the novels, (some of you have pored over them multiple times in search of clues) this masterful, come-to-life production is for you. Do not miss it. I say this up front because once the word gets out, you’ll be mightily crushed if fellow Potterheads tell you how amazing it is, and you neglected to hop on board and hit that “order tickets now” button. So, brush up on your British accents and go!
The good news is the production is not a matinee plus an add-on return for the evening show as it was in its two-part Broadway incarnation. It has been condensed into two and half hours, which makes it fly by along with the dialogue that’s at racehorse pace and so are the set changes, but you’ll easily follow it if you’ve boned up on the plot in advance.
 John Skelley (Harry Potter) and Emmet Smith (Albus Potter). (Photo/Matthew Murphy)
John Skelly plays the lead. He’s Harry Potter all grown up and the father of young, Albus Severus Potter (Emmet Smith), who is off to Hogwarts to make his mark into Slytherin and create new friendships which, as you may have experienced, is tricky at best in any new school. Soon he meets and bro-befriends Scorpious Malfoy (Aidan Close), who may or may not be the son of Voldemort, the Dark Lord. Although their parents strive to keep them apart, this oddest of friendships becomes their strongest connection as arm-in-arm the boys fight the dark forces. Through thick and thin, the boys stick together through countless dangerously fraught adventures as they try desperately to solve the riddle.
 Julia Nightingale (Delphi Diggory), Aidan Close (Scorpius Malfoy), and Emmet Smith (Albus Potter). (Photo/Matthew Murphy)
All the notable characters are here in this massive cast as the years toggle back and forth – Severus Snape, Hagrid, Dumbledore, Lord Voldemort, Hermione Granger, Rose Granger-Weasley, Ron Weasley, Ginny Potter, Draco Malfoy, James Potter Sr., Hagrid, Professor McGonagall, Amos Diggory, Delphi Diggory, Cedric Diggory, Polly Chapman, Madam Hooch and more.
Battles have the characters airborne, capes swirling, chairs flying and wands clashing. The wizardry is spectacularly unimaginable. Every pyrotechnic trick is employed, plus aerial components, a revolving stage, magical fireplaces, bookcases that talk, a spinning sink for Moaning Myrtle, flying suitcases, Dumbledore morphing into a talking portrait, countless illusions, rotating stairways, a disembodied narrator and terrifyingly ghostlike spirits that float from on high. Whenever there is a time warp (bear in mind the twenty-year gap), the backdrop shimmers and there is a powerful bass drone that literally rattles your seat.
 Matt Mueller (Ron Weasley), Ebony Blake (Hermione Granger), and the Company of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. (Photo/Matthew Murphy)
Christine Jones’ design of the Wizarding World is miraculously clever as we are led through a myriad of intriguing settings – Hogwarts’ library, a cavernous Romanesque structure with flying buttresses and massive arches, to include a hazy underwater scene as Harry and Scorpious dive into a lake and swim to the bottom, and that’s just in the first act!
All will be revealed in this monumental interpretation of J. K. Rowling’s classic novel which Rowling notably said would “explore the previously untold story of Harry’s early years as an orphan and outcast” and which unsurprisingly won “Best Play” at the Tony Awards.
Wear your capes and bring your wands. Highly recommended!!!
 Cast of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child North American Tour. (Photo/Matthew Murphy)
Kaleb Alexander as Sorting Hat; Julianna Austin as Polly Chapman; Aidan Close as Scorpius Malfoy; David Fine as Yann Fredericks; Simon Gagnon/Travis Patton as Teacher; Alexis Gordon as Madam Hooch; Ebony Blake as Hermione Granger; Caleb Hafen as Cedric Diggory, James Potter Jr., James Potter Sr.; Matt Harrington as Ron Weasley; Nathan Hosner as Voldemort; Chris Jarman as Voice of the Phonebooth/Voice of the Bookcase; Torsten Johnson as Professor Mazoni; Katherine Leask as Professor McGonagall, Professor Umbridge; Mackenzie Lesser-Roy as Moaning Myrtle, Lily Potter Sr.; Trish Lindstrom as Ginny Potter; Naiya Vanessa McCalla as Rose Granger-Weasley, Young Hermione; Julia Nightingale as Delphi Diggory; Zach Norton as Karl Jenkins, Viktor Krum; Maren Searle as Trolley Witch; Timmy Thompson as Craig Bowker; Paul Thornley as Voice of Ludo Bagman; René Thornton, Jr. as Station Master; Benjamin Thys as Draco Malfoy; and Larry Yando as Albus Dumbledore, Amos Diggory, Severus Snape.
Based on an original new story by J. K. Rowling, Jack Thorne & John Tiffany. Directed by John Tiffany; Movement Director, Steven Hoggett; Costume Designer, Katrina Lindsay; Composer & Arranger, Imogen Heap; Lighting Design by Neil Austin; Sound Design by Gareth Fry; Illusions and Magic by Jamie Harrison.
Through September 7th at Broadway at the National, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004. For tickets and information call the box office at 202.628.6161 or visit www.TicketMaster.com.
Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations
is 100% On Fire at The National Theatre
Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of the Temptations
Broadway at The National
Jordan Wright
June 18, 2025
 Lowes Moore (Eddie Kendricks), Jameson Clanton (Melvin Franklin), Josiah Travis Kent Rogers (David Ruffin), Rudy Foster (Otis Williams), Bryce Valle (Paul Williams) from the National Touring Company of Ain’t Too Proud. (Photo/Joan Marcus)
With hot hits from America’s number one R&B/Soul/Funk/Pop group of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s, this bio-musical from the Berkeley Repertory Theatre is a blast from the past jam-packed with 31 of their platinum hits. Told through the eyes of Otis Williams, the group’s founder, the story takes us on a top-of-the-pops journey from the original foursome’s Detroit roots through its heyday under record industry icon, Berry Gordy and songwriter Smokey Robinson. Through the years the group gained and lost members like David Ruffin, Eddie Kendricks, Melvin Franklin and Damon Harris.
Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of the Temptations takes us through the headliners’ triumphs and tragedies, telling the stories of their lives and loves through their music. Expect the greatest hits from their extensive catalogue – hits that a generation of us danced to, made out to, and sometimes got married to. Don’t think for a minute that the audience was a bunch of aging baby boomers clinging to fond memories of their teen years. That couldn’t be further from the truth. I looked around to see who was there – who was tapping their toes, mouthing the lyrics and beat-bobbing their heads, and they were all ages. Because you just can’t sit still to this musical – certainly not while watching their highly choreographed, synchronized dance movements these polished showmen were known for.
 Jameson Clanton (Melvin Franklin), Josiah Travis Kent Rogers (David Ruffin), Lowes Moore (Eddie Kendricks), Rudy Foster (Otis Williams), Bryce Valle (Paul Williams). (Photo/Joan Marcus)
These were the tunes that backgrounded family BBQs, birthday parties, impromptu dance parties and early discos. Hot hits that were played in cars and sung on street corners where impromptu harmonizers would doo-wop the latest hits. There is joyful spirit in the early music – “My Girl”, “I Can’t Get Next to You”, “If You Don’t Know Me by Now”, “Cloud Nine” and so many more. Eventually though the scene changed with the death of Martin, Jack and Bobby, the Vietnam War and the group’s songs – “I Wish It Would Rain” and “Ball of Confusion” – reflected those politicly fraught days. Just as “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone” reflected the psychedelic era. Ain’t Too Proud covers 31 of their chart-topping hits throughout the perils and pitfalls, loves and losses of their massive success culminating with their reunion tour included all seven of the original Temptations. The Temptations went on to be named the “Number One Group in America” and that’s why you can’t miss this exciting show.
The musical is backdropped with terrific period-centric projections by Peter Nigrini of Sponge Bob Square Pants and Amélie fame and choreographed to a gold standard by Sergio Trujillo known for his work on Jersey Boys and On Your Feet. Orchestrations are by the show’s veteran musical director, Harold Wheeler with music directed by the legendary Kenny Seymour. Multiple Tony Award-winning director, Des McAnuff, pulls the threads and it’s as tight as the group’s pegged trousers, sharkskin jackets and the sequin-gowns worn by Diana Ross and The Supremes who make a cameo appearance with Tammi Terrell. Costume designer and multi-Tony Award winner, Paul Tazewell, veteran designer of Hamilton, Suffs, MJ, The Color Purple and other blockbuster Broadway hits.
 Reyanna Edwards (Johnnie Mae/Mary Wilson), Rudy Foster (Otis Williams), Jamal Stone (Dennis Edwards), Lowes Moore (Eddie Kendricks), Jasmine Barboa (Diana Ross/Josephine), Jameson Clanton (Melvin Franklin), Bryce Valle (Paul Williams), Kaila Symone Crowder (Paul Williams). (Photo/Joan Marcus)
The only issue I have is why, oh why, were we teased with too brief solos by Jasmine Barboa’s heart-stopping voice on “If You Don’t Know Me by Now”, and Bryce Valle’s beautiful solo tenor on the ballad, “For Once in My Life”. Just when we had goosebumps.
Book by Dominique Morisseau. Based on the book “The Temptations” by Otis Williams with Patricia Romanowski. Music and lyrics from The Legendary Motown Catalog.
With Rudy Foster as Otis Williams; Bryce Valle as Paul Williams; Jameson Clanton as Melvin Franklin; Lowes Moore as Eddie Kendricks; Josiah Travis Kent Rogers as David Ruffin (played by Corey Mekell on opening night); Cedric Jamaal Greene as Slick Talk Fella/Smokey Robinson/Damon Harris; Mikey Corey Hassel as “Gloria” soloist/Interviewer/Delivery Man/Richard Street/Lamont; Robert Crenshaw as Al Bryant; Kaila Symone Crowder as Mama Rose/Florence Ballard/Tammi Terrell; Reyanna Edwards as Johnnie Mae/Mary Wilson; Kerry D’Jovanni as Berry Gordy; Jasmine Barboa as Diana Ross/Josephine; Colin Stephen Kane as Shelly Berger; Jamal Stone as Dennis Edwards.
Scenic Design by Robert Brill; Lighting Design by Ryan O’Gara; Music Direction/Conductor, Eli Bigelow; Sound Design by Jeff Human, Original Hair and Wig Design by Charles G. Lapointe.
Highly recommended! 100% on fire!!!
Through Sunday, June 21st at The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington. DC 20004. For tickets and information call the box office at 202.621.6161 or visit www.TheNationalDC.com.
Kimberly Akimbo, A Sweet, Quirky, Edgy Love Story with a Jeanine Tesori Score – Now at The National Theatre
Kimberly Akimbo
Broadway at the National
National Theatre
Jordan Wright
May 21, 2025
 Carolee Carmello (Kim) and Miguel Gil (Seth) in the National Tour of Kimberly Akimbo at the National Theatre (Photo/Joan Marcus) Social life for this close group of teens in suburban New Jersey centers around the school choir and a local ice-skating rink. It’s 1999 and an awkwardly nerdy yet adorable Seth runs Skater Planet’s activities. He likes to solve puzzles, make anagrams out of names (Kimberly Locaro becomes Cleverly Akimbo), play the tuba and speak in Elvish from The Lord of the Rings. He’s had a tough life with the death of his mother, an absent father and a brother in rehab. He’s determined to be the “good son”.
Soon Seth falls for Kimberly who has her own dismal home life. Kim suffers from the rare and debilitating genetic disease that speed-ages her. She’s 15, looks 60, and is already post-menopausal. Her life clock is ticking down. For science class the teens are assigned to write a paper on a disease. Seth partners up with Kim, choosing her disease so he can understand her better. With her life expectancy a mere 16 years, she wants to make the most of the time she has left. Seth fills the bill and becomes her ride-or-die partner in the sweetest, most unusual, and solidly quirky love story.
 Laura Woyasz (Pattie), Emily Koch (Debra), Carolee Carmello (Kim), and Jim Hogan (Buddy) (Photo/Patrick Gray) Kim’s mother Pattie, currently pregnant and a narcissistic hypochondriac, is married to Buddy, a beer-swilling drunk and gas station attendant who’s going nowhere fast. The wear and tear of their issues cripples the family’s interactions. Pattie and Buddy have secrets… deep dark secrets, and family secrets have a way of coming out at the most inopportune time. Amirite? Can you spell highly dysfunctional? But wait! Let’s throw Debra, Kim’s aunt, into this potboiler of a sitcom.
Aunt Debra balances out this unique love story with hellfire crazy. She’s a no-nonsense, trash-talking ex-felon, thief and serial scammer who co-opts the kids into a check washing scheme so Kim can pay for a family trip and the teens can get flashy outfits for their statewide singing competition. What could possibly go wrong?
 Cast of the National Touring Company of Kimberly Akimbo (Photo/Joan Marcus) This national touring company shows it’s up to the challenge in this funny, fast-paced, edgy musical with a terrific score. Did I mention it stars heavy hitter and B’way alum, Carolee Carmello as Kim? In 2023 the musical won five Tony Awards in 2023 for “Best New Musical” plus four other Tonys for “Best Original Score”, “Best Book of a Musical”, “Best Actress in a Leading Role”, and “Best Featured Actress in a Leading Role”. Am I surprised? Not when Jeanine Tesori is the composer known for such Broadway mega-hits as Fun Home, Shrek, Caroline, or Change, plus the new opera Blue (reviewed here) and the new opera Grounded (reviewed here recently) seen at the Kennedy Center before heading off to the Metropolitan Opera.
With Miguel Gil as Seth; Laura Woyasz as Pattie; Jim Hogan as Buddy; Emily Koch as Debra; Grace Capeless as Delia; Darron Hayes as Martin; Skye Alyssa Friedman as Teresa; Pierce Wheeler as Aaron.
Books & Lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire based on his play; Scenic Design by David Zinn; Directed by Jessica Stone; Choreographed by Danny Mefford; Costume Design by Sarah Laux; Lighting Design by Jeanette Oi-Suk Yew; Video Design by Lucy MacKinnon.
Through June 1st at the National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20004. For tickets and information call the box office at 202.628.6161 or visit www.TicketMaster.com.
Shucked is the Perfectly Corn-Fueled Laugh-a-Thon at the National Theatre
Shucked
The National Theatre
Jordan Wright
February 26, 2025
Special To The Zebra
 Jake Odmark as Beau and Danielle Wade as Maizy in The North American Tour of SHUCKED (Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman) You could see Shucked for the love story of Maisie and Beau in a plot with more twists and turns than a country road. Or maybe it appeals for the downhome guffaws and “corny” puns. What I liked best is that Shucked is a non-stop laugh-a-palooza set to a super catchy score by the brilliant composing duo of Grammy, CMA and 2023 Tony nominee Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally whose multi-Grammy awards and Number #1 hits have had him writing for and/or producing for Kelly Clarkson, Dolly Parton, Blake Shelton and Kenny Chesney to name just a few of the country music superstars he’s written for. McAnally also wrote the mega-hit “Fancy Like” which very much captures the vibe in Shucked. It’s no small wonder the show earned nine Tony Award nominations!
 The Cast of The North American Tour of SHUCKED (Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman) Described in the show as “farm to fable”, Cobb County could be any farm town, USA. Maisie is a corn-fed cutie whose love story with the strapping farmer Beau is, let’s just say it’s complicated. The corn is dying, and the townsfolk don’t know why. Maizy volunteers to fly to the exotic city of Tampa, Florida and soon falls into the arms of a grifting chiropodist, Gordy, who cures “corns”. In her naivete, Maizy decides Gordy will be the savior to the farmers in Cobb County and convinces him to go back with her, much to Beau’s chagrin.
 Maya Lagerstam as Storyteller 1 and Tyler Joseph Ellis (Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman) There are magical and dangerous rocks involved; Maizy’s liberated corn liquor-producing cousin Lulu, “I’m independently owned!”; Beau’s hayseed-hilarious brother, Peanut, a king in the land of non sequiturs; Tank the town meth head; two narrators to explain the silliness and provide endlessly giddy puns; Grandpa, a man of soul and wisdom, and a cast of thousands – not numerically but seemingly.
In true Vaudevillian style there are silly jokes and spoofs, goofy set ups and a raft of corn-centric tunes, all geared to a denim-filled, hee-haw hilarious show that will guarantee your funny bone will cheer on this terrific cast. Cue the clever choreography of Rockettes-inspired dancing corn cobs, a drunken bong party and 17 perfectly themed tunes. Let’s just say that Maizy gets her man, and we get a crazy-wonderful musical perfectly tuned to lift our spirits.
 Quinn VanAntwerp as Gordy and Miki Abraham as Lulu (Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman) With Danielle Wade as Maizy; Jake Odmark as Beau; Miki Abraham as Lulu; Quinn Vanantwerpas Gordy; Mike Nappi as Peanut; Erick Pinnick as Grandpa; Kyle Sherman as Tank; Tyler Joseph Ellis as Storyteller #2; Maya Lagerstam as Storyteller #1. Ensemble of Zakiya Baptiste, Cecily Dionne Davis, Ryan Fitzgerald, Jackson Goad, Erick Pinnick, Celeste Rose, Kyle Sherman and Chani Wereley.
Book by Robert Horn; Directed by Jack O’Brien; Music Supervision, Orchestrations and Arrangements by Jason Howland; Scenic Design by Scott Pask; Choreography by Sarah O’Gleby; Costume Design by Tilly Grimes; Lighting Design by Japhy Weideman; Sound Design by John Shivers and Wig Design by Mia Neal.
Highly recommended for rib-tickling hilarity!
Through March 2nd at Broadway at the National Theatre, and if you miss it there it comes to the Hippodrome Theatre in Baltimore April 1st through April 6th. For tickets and information at the National Theatre, DC call the box office at 877-302-2929 or visit www.ShuckedMusical.com.
A Five Star MJ at The National Pulls Out All the Stops in a Thriller of a Musical
MJ
Broadway at the National
Jordan Wright
August 16, 2024
Special to The Zebra
 Roman Banks as ‘MJ’ and the cast of the MJ First National Tour (Photo/Matthew Murphy, MurphyMade) Here’s the lede. Without a doubt this national tour is one of the most spectacular and electrifying musicals this reviewer has ever seen. It’s a ten for dance, cast, production values, musical numbers, orchestration and costumes… and here’s why.
The story of Michael Jackson’s extraordinary career and its influence on all subsequent pop music cannot be understated. From his start as a child singing lead with his brothers as the Jackson Five to his supersonic career trajectory, his passion to create new and exciting music has been rock solid. Above all, he considered himself an artist keeping a firm hand on all production decisions as well as composing most of his biggest hits. He worked with Berry Gordy early on then segued to a recording relationship with Quincy Jones, both of whom told him he would be nothing without them. He proved them wrong at every turn as his star continued to ascend. It was the height of the Motown years and there were appearances on Soul Train and Amateur Night at the famed Apollo Theatre in Harlem that brought the house down. All these career-making moments are played out here through his biggest hits with over a half dozen of the best dancers. Forty!!! of his greatest hits expressed in this musical both in song and dance highlight his massive career.
The story does not gloss over the fraught relationship he had with his brutal father who controlled his boys with threats accompanied by physical abuse or his mother who tried in vain to protect him. It tells of the brothers he drew back into his orbit at the height of his success and his relentless fight for perfectionism. “I like to process my ideas through my body,” he reveals.
 Roman Banks as ‘MJ’ and the cast of the MJ First National Tour (Photo/Matthew Murphy, MurphyMade) Jackson studied the greatest dancers – Bob Fosse and Fred Astaire and the Black duo, The Nicholas Brothers – all evident in his signature moves. The choreography features breathtaking gymnastics, ballet influences and the crispest mime movements. I read years ago that Jackson’s shoes were made by Astaire’s shoemaker. If the shoe fits…
Who can forget his version of “The Robot” that became a huge craze? As a boy he learned the moves from his friend and neighbor, Robert Shields, the legendary White dancer, comedian and Vegas headliner known as the “Mechanical Man”. It became a viral sensation when Jackson introduced the Pop & Lock with “Dancing Machine”. He learned what was then known as the “Backslide” from Black singer/dancer Jeffrey Daniel. When Jackson introduced it, it became known as the “Moonwalk”, and you know the sensation that caused.
The technical aspects of this production are mind-blowing with explosive, head-spinning technical wizardry and video projections that are used to establish the arc of his supersonic rise to fame. The number “Thriller”, replete with frightening creatures, is reflective of his relationship with his “monster” of a father.
Along with the stresses of Jackson’s epic show biz career, worldwide concert tours and eight Grammy wins came injuries, pills and anxiety. None of the highs or lows of his life are left out in this story backgrounded by a female director and her cameraman who are there to make a documentary on him.
 Roman Banks as ‘MJ’ and the cast (Photo/Matthew Murphy, MurphyMade) Starring Jamaal Fields-Green or alternate Jordan Markus as MJ; with Devin Bowles playing Rob and Joe Jackson; Cecilia Petrush as Rachel; Brandon Lee Harris as Michael; Josiah Benson/Bane Griffith as Little Michael; Bryce A. Holmes as Little Michael; Ramone Nelson as Tito Jackson and Quincy Jones (August 13th – August 25th) Josh A. Dawson (August 26th September 8th); Anastasia Talley as Kate and Katherine Jackson; Anthony J. Garcia as Alejandro; J. Daughtry as Nick, Berry Gordy, Don Cornelius, Doctor; Jed Resnick as Dave; Jōvan Dansberry as Tour Dancer, Randy Jackson, Jackie Wilson; Jay McKenzie as Tour Singer, Jackie Jackson, James Brown; Kellie Drobnick as Tour Dancer, Soul Train Dancer; Amber Jackson as Tour Dancer, Suzanne de Passe, Isley Brother; Zuri Noelle Ford as Tour Dancer, Isley Brother, Nicholas Brother; Matteo Marretta as Tour Dancer, Fred Astaire; Croix Diienno as Tour Dancer. Bob Fosse, Newscaster; Jacobi Kai as Keith, Jermaine Jackson, Isley Brother; Brion Marquis Watson as Tour Dancer, Marlon Jackson, James Brown, Nicholas Brother.
Directed and choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon, Book by Lynn Nottage, Scenic Design by Derek McLane, Music Supervision, Orchestrations & Arrangements by David Holcenberg, Orchestrations & Arrangements by Jason Michael Webb, Lighting Design by Natasha Katz, Costume Design by Paul Tazewell, Sound Design by Gareth Owen, Projection Design by Peter Nigrini, Wig & Hair Design by Charles G. LaPointe and Make-up Design by Joe Dulude II.
Five stars! Don’t miss it!
Through September 8th at the National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC. For tickets and information call the box office at 800-513-7540 or visit www.TheNationalDC.com.
Cock-Eyed Irreverence By South Park Creators Spells Utter Hilarity in the Side-Splitting The Book of Mormon at the National Theatre
The Book of Mormon
Broadway at The National
Jordan Wright
March 6, 2024
Special to The Zebra
 Sam Nackman and Sam McLellan (Photo/Julieta Cervantes) Hellfire and damnation figure neatly in the wacky and wonderful The Book of Mormon. With book, music and lyrics by Trey Parker, Robert Lopez and Matt Stone, creators of the four-time Emmy Award-winning animated series South Park, you’ll luxuriate in all the irreverence you can handle. And then some. Winner of nine Tony Awards, the blowout show is legendary for its comedic take on Mormonism and its 21 unforgettably zany songs plus tap dancing and sequin-clad chorus line.
The story focuses on the bicycle-riding, young men with their skinny black ties and crisp white shirts eager to convert and well-trained in proselytizing. Two-by-two they comb the earth seeking out sin and sinners and spreading “The Word”.
 Sam McLellan and company (Photo/Julieta Cervantes) Elder Price and Elder Cunningham are two of the innocenti. Recently sprung from the church’s Missionary Training Center, they are partnered up for their mission to Uganda where they’ll rendezvous with other eager young evangelists. Two more disparate comrades are impossible to conceive. Price (Sam McLellan – absolutely brilliant comedic actor with a fantastic voice) is massively handsome, completely self-centered, and brimming with untested confidence. Ready to take on the world he is miffed to be conjoined with Cunningham (Sam Nackman who shines in his debut stage role), a portly nerd lacking self-worth and clinging to Price like a limpet mine to a submarine.
Hoping to prove they’ll be worthy in the afterlife, the two unlikely apostles set off on a journey that is so convoluted, so riotous and so ungodly that your hair may stand on end. At a send-off staged by their parents, replete with a dancing witch doctor who references The Lion King, the hapless accolytes are told, “You get out there and you baptize those Africans!”
 Trinity Posey, Sam McLellan, and Sam Nackman (Photo/Julieta Cervantes) Instead, the boys realize converting the whole human race is not as easy as they had been led to believe. They soon discover the natives have their own brand of mythology, and it’s not any more far-fetched than Mormon founder Joseph Smith’s story of the never-before-seen-by-a-living-soul, golden plates he personally excavated in upstate New York. These Mormon-themed side skits are re-enacted hilariously by Joseph Smith (Trevor Dorner) and the Angel Moroni (Sean Casey Flanagan) in dream sequences comparing the origins of the Latter-Day Saints to the natives’ beliefs. But which of these tales are more fanciful?
Warlords and AIDS are on the minds of the Ugandans who have a middle-finger-raised musical response to God in the number “Hasa Diga Eebowai”. Dewight Braxton, Jr. plays the one-eyed General and bloodthirsty warlord who threatens to circumcise all the girls in the village by the end of the week.
 The Book of Mormon North American Tour (Photo/Julieta Cervantes) There’s a sweet love story between the beautiful Nabulungi (Keke Nesbitt) and Cunningham, the most unlikely suitor, who woos her with dreams of a Mormon paradise. In her beautifully sung number, “Sal Tlay Ka Siti” (her African pronunciation of Salt Lake City), she places her hopes in his hands.
Though it takes a village, this is most certainly not The Sound of Music. And Nabulungi’s convincing her tribe to get baptized, isn’t based on truth – Cunningham has convoluted the church’s teachings to suit his ignorance of its contents. “I actually never read it,” he confesses. (If you’re wondering how the Mormon hierarchy reacted to the comedic blasphemy, the quote is, “You’ve seen the play. Now read the book.”) But Cunningham is determined to make Nabulungi his first convert and croons “Man Up”, describing Jesus’ bravery as “growing a pair”.
Credit to Directors Casey Nicholaw and Trey Parker plus Jennifer Werner for Direction and Choreography; Scott Pask for the Scenic Design; Sound Design by Chad Parsley; Costumes by Ann Roth; Lighting Design by Brian MacDevitt and the 12-piece kick-ass orchestra directed by Larry Hockman and Stephen Oremus. Twenty-two numbers and a nine-piece orchestra make this musical irresistible.
Highly recommended!!!
 The company of the Book of Mormon North American Tour (Photo/Julieta Cervantes) With Vince Klassen as Mormon; Sean Casey Flanagan as Moroni/Elder McKinley; Trevor Dorner as Price’s Dad/Missionary Voice/Elder McKinley/Mission President; Gideon Chickos as Cunningham’s Dad; Trinity Posey as Mrs. Brown; DeVon Buchanan, Justin Forward and Thomas Ed Purvis as Guards; Lamont J. Whitaker as Mafala Hatimbi; Jarret Martin as Doctor. Ensemble – Jarius Miquel Cliett, Matthew Dant, Justin Forward, Craig Franke, Lars Hafell, Kisakye, Evan Lennon, Joey Myers, Alexis Ijeoma Nwokoji, and Chelsea M. Smith.
Through March 17th at National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20004. For tickets and information visit www.TheNationalDC.com.
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