Some have said that The Book of Mormon is an even-handed depiction of Mormonism and doesn't portray them in any unbalanced way. Not true in my view. It comes down heavy on Mormonism and for good reason. There is no way to remain balanced with an unbalanced religion or with any organized religion for that matter. With any intelligence, it is hard to be sympathetic to the message of any organized religion, least of all Mormonism because it had the advantage of studying other religions and yet came to be the same irrational, human rights suppressing, anti-science, women-suppressing, extremely organized from top-down religion that others were. In fact, they are the most organized. To me, religion is fundamentally disjoint from organization. Religion is pursuit of freedom and organization is all about control. And this play is intelligent. It doesn't loose art, the humor, the presentation in anyway while delivering a staunch criticism of irrationality of this so-called religion. Throughout the play, we get to understand how backward-looking power trip this Mormon organization is, in many ways very similar to the worst parts of radical Islam. And the play does it all through unforgettable music and performance by an amazing cast and technical perfection. I hear that Mormons have tried to put a brave face taking the play in their stride, even placing Mormon ads in the playbill. But there is no way out. The creators have not left an inch for them to move. But they have been humorous. Throughout the play I wondered how they would end it without losing that aspect but they found a brilliant way while still bringing out the irrationality in the most stinging way. Very recommended.
