The Book of Mormon Review

Most musicals have the same boy meets girl, boy gets girl narrative.

The Book of Mormon as a far from the traditional Broadway musical as one can get. Created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone (aka the guys behind South Park), The Book of Mormon is about two Mormon missionaries who travel to a village in Uganda to convert the locals. Elder Price (Dave Thomas Brown) is confident and secure that he will be able to complete his mission. Elder Cunningham (Cody Jamison Strand) has the required enthusiasm for the job, but his social skills are not quite up to par as his partner.

When they get to Uganda, Elder Price and Cunningham are surprised that the locals are not exactly warming up to their message. In addition to deal with an AIDS crisis, famine and oppression, they also have a local warlord on their tail. Can they convert the locals or will they fail?

I was surprised about this musical. I knew that it was written by Trey Parker and Matt Stone. I also knew that the humor can only be described as potty humor. While the first half was a little slow, the second half not only sped up, but also had the audience in stitches at certain moments.

It’s not the traditional Broadway musical, but that’s fine. But it’s also the type of show that certain audience members would find offensive.

Do I recommend it? Yes.

The Book of Mormon is playing at the Eugene O’Neill Theater (230 W 49th Street in New York City). Check the website for showtimes and tickets. 

 

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Outside the Wire: Ten Lessons I’ve Learned in Everyday Courage Book Review

As a young man, politician Jason Kander joined the military. His experience while in the military prepared him for a career in politics as only time in the military can.

Earlier this year, he published his new book, Outside the Wire: Ten Lessons I’ve Learned in Everyday Courage.

Using both his career in politics and the life lessons he learned while in the military, Kander compiled a list of lessons for those who are working for and praying that our modern American democracy remains as it has been for over 200 years.

I genuinely liked this book. Mr. Kander is just the type of politician that we need in American these days. He brings real world experience, an honest drive to better our country and is not willing to play the b*llshit political games that many in power play.

I recommend it.

Thoughts On Charlottesville, One Year Later

In 2018, many of us think that we live in post racial society. Last year’s rally in Charlottesville proved otherwise.

On one hand, one could argue that we are on the way to a post racial society. The counter protesters were made of Americans all backgrounds, colors and creeds who represent the idealistic American society where every citizen regardless of labels has the same rights and privileges. But, on the other hand, the white nationalists who started the protest prove that discrimination, prejudice and racial barriers are still alive and well in America.

A year later the statement “Jews will not replace us” still sends a chill down my spine. One should be able to say that this particular statement is relegated to newsreels of Germany in the early 1930’s. But the reality is that this statement was spoken by Americans in the early 21st century.

My hope (as faint as it is) is that the Charlottesville Rally is a turning point for American. The rose-colored glasses have been knocked off our faces and our eyes are opened. Heather Heyer did not die in vain. She gave as much to her country as any soldier fighting overseas.

Only time will tell how future Americans will judge our current generation. The only thing I know is that the events in Charlottesville one year ago will never be forgotten.