My Book of Mormon review
Sep 26th, 2014, 09:32 AM
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My Book of Mormon review
I've wanted to see this show since it won all the Tony awards, but was never willing to stand in line for the lottery tickets or pay $400 to a scalper. Recently we saw the touring production in our hometown. Boy, am I glad I didn't put much effort (or cash) into seeing it in NY. Unless someone is a huge South Park fan (I'm not), or thinks that raunchy makes a show great...I don't see the attraction. IMO...the jokes are lame, the songs are forgettable, the book is funny only if you're racist. It's just one big sophomoric cliche!
I thought Gentlemen's Guide to Love and Murder was so clever, as was Pippin. There's just nothing clever about Book of Mormon. It was a snooze for us.
I thought Gentlemen's Guide to Love and Murder was so clever, as was Pippin. There's just nothing clever about Book of Mormon. It was a snooze for us.
Sep 26th, 2014, 09:49 AM
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Interesting how we all have different tastes. I have NEVER watched South Park and don't even know what it is, so it can't be that I'm a huge South Park fan. And while I think raunchy can be funny, I didn't think that was what made the show great. Trust me I am NOT a racist, and have no idea why you think only a racist would find it funny. I listen to the music a lot -- so full of life and fun -- and many songs are clearly satires of famous Broadway songs or styles.
But obviously I'm in the wrong along with those thousands and thousands of people who have been paying top dollar and loving it. You must be right. Is that what you're saying? There is no "right" and "wrong" in how good a show is to different people, but I'd never think of calling people who like any show I didn't "raunchy, racist, sophomores"!
It is an over-the-top spoof. Clearly the whole concept was lost on you -- that's fine -- but no reason to put down others who "got" it.
But obviously I'm in the wrong along with those thousands and thousands of people who have been paying top dollar and loving it. You must be right. Is that what you're saying? There is no "right" and "wrong" in how good a show is to different people, but I'd never think of calling people who like any show I didn't "raunchy, racist, sophomores"!
It is an over-the-top spoof. Clearly the whole concept was lost on you -- that's fine -- but no reason to put down others who "got" it.
Sep 26th, 2014, 09:57 AM
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Calm down, Patrick. No one is targeting you. Didn't say anyone was right or wrong. Simply said, it was a big old snooze for us. I do think the jokes are racist. There is a big difference between the SHOW being raunchy and sophomoric, the JOKES being racist and YOU being the same. But...to each his own. You can have your opinion and I can have mine.
Sep 26th, 2014, 10:15 AM
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Sorry. I misread your review I guess.
You did say "the book is funny only if you're racist". So you ARE saying that if I found it funny then I'm a racist. Why wouldn't I take offense? How else can someone take such a comment?
Sure it is all a matter of opinion, but the big difference would be between saying something like "I just didn't find it funny" and "only a racist would find it funny". But there really is not much (if any) difference between saying "only a racist would find it funny" and "if you thought it was funny then you are a racist". Those two really are pretty much the same thing!
So if I say only an idiot could possibly enjoy Gentleman's Guide you wouldn't take offense after saying you enjoyed it? By the way, I loved that show too, but I know many people who thought the whole thing was very "amateur and corny" -- yea, that was the point. Its "corniness" was much of the charm. Again, some people get it and some don't.
You did say "the book is funny only if you're racist". So you ARE saying that if I found it funny then I'm a racist. Why wouldn't I take offense? How else can someone take such a comment?
Sure it is all a matter of opinion, but the big difference would be between saying something like "I just didn't find it funny" and "only a racist would find it funny". But there really is not much (if any) difference between saying "only a racist would find it funny" and "if you thought it was funny then you are a racist". Those two really are pretty much the same thing!
So if I say only an idiot could possibly enjoy Gentleman's Guide you wouldn't take offense after saying you enjoyed it? By the way, I loved that show too, but I know many people who thought the whole thing was very "amateur and corny" -- yea, that was the point. Its "corniness" was much of the charm. Again, some people get it and some don't.
Sep 26th, 2014, 10:26 AM
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I apologize. No offense intended. Bad choice of words. I think the jokes are on the racist side. It seemed to be a big part of the book. I felt uncomfortable in parts. I maintain that it isn't worth scalper prices. There are better choices ....in MY opinion.
Sep 26th, 2014, 10:33 AM
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BOM certainly isn't liked by everybody, but I don't think I've ever heard it called racist. A large percentage of the cast is black. Hard to imagine they would appear in a show with racist jokes.
~Liz
~Liz
Sep 26th, 2014, 11:10 AM
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Dukey...I think you're on the wrong thread.
Liz, Read this: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/blogsfa...shame.html.csp
I'm not the only one.
Liz, Read this: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/blogsfa...shame.html.csp
I'm not the only one.
Sep 26th, 2014, 11:16 AM
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http://artery.wbur.org/2013/04/11/he...is-all-you-got
I think we do "get it", Patrick. Some just don't like what they got.
I think we do "get it", Patrick. Some just don't like what they got.
Sep 26th, 2014, 12:17 PM
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No, TC, with all due respect if you thought the show was "RACIST" then you definitely didn't "get" it, just as others may not have gotten it. Again, though, that's fine, different types of humor won't be appreciated by everyone. I've heard people say Fiddler on the Roof is anti semitic! And Cabaret is pro Nazi. And that Wicked is a form of devil worship. To each his own.
Sep 26th, 2014, 01:44 PM
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I'm with Patrick on this one. We loved the show. We loved the humor. We are definitely not racists! And to further diffuse the OP's theory, I don't like South Park!
Advice to the OP: Be careful of how you express yourself!
Advice to the OP: Be careful of how you express yourself!
Sep 26th, 2014, 02:14 PM
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I don't want to start a bruhaha. I just posted my opinion of this show. I am not alone in that opinion. I DO get it. I just don't think its intelligent. I like some "smarts" with my humor. Seems I'm not alone.
From the London Daily Mail:
"It all depends on your definition of high comedy. I found it surreal sitting stony-faced while those around me dissolved into paroxysms of laughter over an African — who looked like he was straight out of Central Casting — shouting over and over: ‘I have maggots in my scrotum’.
Yet, already there has started a rather sinister online campaign against anyone who doesn’t fall over themselves to praise the show.
Recently, the Guardian’s Michael Billington, who wrote a mildly flattering review, complained: ‘Is there something a bit bullying about Book Of Mormon aficionados? Can’t one be sceptical about a Broadway hit without being a snob?
Nonetheless, a fightback of sorts has begun. In the U.S., the travel website Tripadvisor is full of theatre-goers appalled by the near-the-knuckle nature of the production. Meanwhile, a Stateside Facebook page entitled, The Book Of Mormon Show Sucks, has sprung up."
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz...#ixzz3EShLT8K3
From WordPress:
"The issue I had was with the depiction of Africa as a backwards hellhole filled with warlords and disease. It ticked off so many racist stereotypes that I could barely keep count. The natives were spiritually empty – the first song they sing is an African phrase that translates as ‘F... You God! One ongoing joke revolved around the fact that an African used a typewriter to text her friends – ironic given the innovation around mobile phones in East Africa. Overall, the Africans are just a background to the emotional development of the Mormons. When someone is shot by a warlord, this is primarily important because it makes one Mormon decide he should go home."
http://aidleap.wordpress.com/2014/01...usical-racist/
From The Times-Picayune:
"Other material seen fitting for jokes includes sexual violence against women and children, as well as genital mutilation. Black Africans are depicted in a crude and demeaning manner not seen on stages since the time of minstrel shows. And don’t forget to throw in lots of barbs about AIDS and cancer. That's sure to draw laughs."
http://www.nola.com/arts/index.ssf/2...book_of_m.html
From The NY Times readers reviews:
"Gross, crass and obscenely purile"
"Racist and offensive garbage"
"WORST SHOW EVER - DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY!!"
"It was boring"
"There were a few absolutely hilarious numbers. Otherwise, it was about an hour too long."
"Ugh, waste of an afternoon."
"Formulaic music, not funny at all"
"Mediocrity defined on stage"
etc, etc, etc.
http://community.nytimes.com/rate-re...ormon/overview
From the London Daily Mail:
"It all depends on your definition of high comedy. I found it surreal sitting stony-faced while those around me dissolved into paroxysms of laughter over an African — who looked like he was straight out of Central Casting — shouting over and over: ‘I have maggots in my scrotum’.
Yet, already there has started a rather sinister online campaign against anyone who doesn’t fall over themselves to praise the show.
Recently, the Guardian’s Michael Billington, who wrote a mildly flattering review, complained: ‘Is there something a bit bullying about Book Of Mormon aficionados? Can’t one be sceptical about a Broadway hit without being a snob?
Nonetheless, a fightback of sorts has begun. In the U.S., the travel website Tripadvisor is full of theatre-goers appalled by the near-the-knuckle nature of the production. Meanwhile, a Stateside Facebook page entitled, The Book Of Mormon Show Sucks, has sprung up."
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz...#ixzz3EShLT8K3
From WordPress:
"The issue I had was with the depiction of Africa as a backwards hellhole filled with warlords and disease. It ticked off so many racist stereotypes that I could barely keep count. The natives were spiritually empty – the first song they sing is an African phrase that translates as ‘F... You God! One ongoing joke revolved around the fact that an African used a typewriter to text her friends – ironic given the innovation around mobile phones in East Africa. Overall, the Africans are just a background to the emotional development of the Mormons. When someone is shot by a warlord, this is primarily important because it makes one Mormon decide he should go home."
http://aidleap.wordpress.com/2014/01...usical-racist/
From The Times-Picayune:
"Other material seen fitting for jokes includes sexual violence against women and children, as well as genital mutilation. Black Africans are depicted in a crude and demeaning manner not seen on stages since the time of minstrel shows. And don’t forget to throw in lots of barbs about AIDS and cancer. That's sure to draw laughs."
http://www.nola.com/arts/index.ssf/2...book_of_m.html
From The NY Times readers reviews:
"Gross, crass and obscenely purile"
"Racist and offensive garbage"
"WORST SHOW EVER - DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY!!"
"It was boring"
"There were a few absolutely hilarious numbers. Otherwise, it was about an hour too long."
"Ugh, waste of an afternoon."
"Formulaic music, not funny at all"
"Mediocrity defined on stage"
etc, etc, etc.
http://community.nytimes.com/rate-re...ormon/overview
Sep 26th, 2014, 02:26 PM
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If I retaliated with all the favorable reviews and reader comments, you'd be sitting here for days (or weeks or months or years) reading them!
Intrerestingly, if you click on the site listed at the end of the previous posting, you'll find (surprisingly) an absolute rave for the show and putdown of the reader critics!
Intrerestingly, if you click on the site listed at the end of the previous posting, you'll find (surprisingly) an absolute rave for the show and putdown of the reader critics!
Sep 26th, 2014, 03:31 PM
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"I don't want to start a bruhaha. I just posted my opinion of this show. I am not alone in that opinion."
Hold on, TC, you did more than post your opinion of the show. You said only a racist could think it funny, which clearly says I am a racist because I found it funny. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to understand that. I never argued that you should like the show, only that it's wrong to say anyone who does like it is a racist, sophomoric, and all the rest. I would never even think to say "anyone who doesn't love it is a moron".
As Howard suggests, if you are trying to say others agree with you so you must be right, there's not enough room here to post all the raves for the show, so clearly that proves nothing. It's all a matter of taste and likes. And I thought it wasn't a matter of right anyway, or did you change your mind? As for not starting a brouhaha, I'd suggest then it's not a good idea to call other posters racist, even indirectly.
Hold on, TC, you did more than post your opinion of the show. You said only a racist could think it funny, which clearly says I am a racist because I found it funny. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to understand that. I never argued that you should like the show, only that it's wrong to say anyone who does like it is a racist, sophomoric, and all the rest. I would never even think to say "anyone who doesn't love it is a moron".
As Howard suggests, if you are trying to say others agree with you so you must be right, there's not enough room here to post all the raves for the show, so clearly that proves nothing. It's all a matter of taste and likes. And I thought it wasn't a matter of right anyway, or did you change your mind? As for not starting a brouhaha, I'd suggest then it's not a good idea to call other posters racist, even indirectly.
Sep 26th, 2014, 05:10 PM
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Opinions on social media are sure to be challenged--Miss Manners, September 18, 2014
I saw the show in August when the touring company was in Seattle. I was not pleased. I agree to some extent with all the comments made by the OP.
I paid the best part of $400 for two seats in the 8th row, and I cannot recommend that others do the same.
This may be largely because of the casting. The leading actors who showed up in Seattle were not engaging. Our Arthur was self-indulgent. The material may require actors with skills and charm our cast lacked (despite the high cost of seats).
In June I had been transported by the touring company of Porgy and Bess. The great music and the operatic story were beautifully realized by an outstanding ensemble of actor/singers.
Book of Mormon seemed puny in comparison to Porgy and Bess--even Jersey Boys was a more rewarding evening in the theater.
Book of Mormon uses the slogan "Best Musical of the Century." I sure hope not.
HTtY
I saw the show in August when the touring company was in Seattle. I was not pleased. I agree to some extent with all the comments made by the OP.
I paid the best part of $400 for two seats in the 8th row, and I cannot recommend that others do the same.
This may be largely because of the casting. The leading actors who showed up in Seattle were not engaging. Our Arthur was self-indulgent. The material may require actors with skills and charm our cast lacked (despite the high cost of seats).
In June I had been transported by the touring company of Porgy and Bess. The great music and the operatic story were beautifully realized by an outstanding ensemble of actor/singers.
Book of Mormon seemed puny in comparison to Porgy and Bess--even Jersey Boys was a more rewarding evening in the theater.
Book of Mormon uses the slogan "Best Musical of the Century." I sure hope not.
HTtY
Sep 26th, 2014, 06:38 PM
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I am getting quite a kick out of these forums today. I usually don't follow this but because I have posted a few questions about an upcoming trip to New York, I have engaged in a few discussions. Today especially is a very bad day for NeoPatrick. His times noted on each of the forums provide negative and argumentative comments and continued throughout the day. I don't know if he is a regular contributor but if he is then this forum isn't doing what it was meant for. Or else he just wants a rise out of people. My advice - ignore his comments!
Sep 26th, 2014, 08:09 PM
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Neo is like the neighborhood cat that everyone knows scratches if you get too close.
_______
The BOM movie is either in production or has been completed, so I will wait until it is on cable or until a Mormon missionary comes to my door, which ever occurs first.
_______
The BOM movie is either in production or has been completed, so I will wait until it is on cable or until a Mormon missionary comes to my door, which ever occurs first.
