Hodges & Hodges Set the Stage for THE BOOK OF MORMON: Broadway San Jose Now thru July 12

Stand up and praise Joseph Smith! The Book of Mormon is coming to Broadway San Jose! This laugh-out-loud religious satire is, as Matt Stone put it, "an atheist's love letter to religion." Winning nine Tony awards, The Book of Mormon is critically acclaimed in all aspects. Running now through July 12, this is one of those shows that sells out for every performance so buy your tickets now! Then get spruced up the Mormon way and put on a white button down and black tie, and hold on for what the New York Times calls, "the Best Musical of this century."

The book, lyrics, and music are by Trey Parker, Robert Lopez, and Matt Stone. Parker and Stone are, of course, most well known for their creation of the animated TV series South Park and over the years the two have poked fun more than once at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

About the story: The Book of Mormon tells of two young Mormon missionaries sent to a remote village in northern Uganda, where a brutal warlord is threatening the local population. Naïve and optimistic, the two missionaries seek to share their sacred Book of Mormon with the Ugandans and save their souls for Jesus. Problem is, the locals are more worried about war, famine, poverty and AIDS than about the after-life.

We invite you to join the sold-out audiences who've discovered that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints makes for one helluva show.

Getting Ready to See the Show: Hodges & Hodges Set the Stage

Saintly Sights - The very first thing you have to do is to visit the Mormon Temple in Oakland. At night the well-lit architectural beauty stands out as a beaming beacon of hope that you simply cannot miss. With its commanding view of the San Francisco Bay Area, the 170-foot Temple is a highly recognized East Bay landmark. The magnificent grounds are distinguished by a creek-style water feature running from fountain to fountain in front of the temple entrance-lined with colorful gardens and towering palm trees. No matter what you believe, this tranquil art-scape is a must see.

Creative Collisions - "Then will they become Gods [and] When they receive their crowns [] they then will be prepared to frame earths like unto ours." Mormons believe they will get their own planets when they pass on.

Do you like planets and outer space? The Tech Museum of Innovation's View from Space is an experience based on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA). One of the few systems in the U.S., this gorgeous exhibit features a large sphere, approximately six feet in diameter, and two projectors that cast rotating images onto the sphere, creating the effect of Earth in Space. View from Space appeals to anyone who ever wanted to be an astronaut!

Tough It Out - Have you ever imagined what it would be like to stand on a street corner or travel to a war torn country and convince someone of your beliefs? Sounds daunting to say the least. Hodges & Hodges challenge you to talk with family and friends and discover what things in your own life you are willing to go the distance for.

Word of Wisdom - The Word of Wisdom is the Mormon guideline to dietary law. Most Mormon parties will consist of generic-brand Root beer, Sprite, or water. And remember, no coffee allowed! Here is a list of some Mormon friendly drinks that will appeal to drinking age Mormons.

Apple Beer - It is not too strong and has a nice subtle flavor and after-taste. It bills itself as the "Soft Drink with a Head." Get it in the bottles if you can, the flavor is much better that way.

Stewart's Key Lime - When you take a sip of this liquid gold you will enter a whole new universe of deliciousness...

Sangria Señorial - Sangria-flavored, non-alcoholic beverage, rumored to be favored by God.

What to watch for from Nick: One of the things that made this show such a huge success was Parker and Stones ability to create a show that isn't necessarily trying to mock or make fun of Mormons. They did a lot of research in creating the show and although they do poke fun of the religion the characters are supposed to be honest. I am interested in seeing how the actors portray such an extreme religious view honestly.

What to watch for from Linda: Broadway fans should watch and listen for the Broadway parodies and references to other Broadway shows. And even though it's a hugely funny show, the subject matter is really very tragic. Watch for the ways that Parker and Stone wrap up the killing, AIDS references and poverty in a big batch of humor. Director and Choreographer Casey Nicholaw is the Broadway brains behind the show (Parker and Stone were newbies). Watch for his stunning choreography, especially in the first-act number "Turn It Off."

THE BOOK OF MORMON
June 30-July 12
Book, Music and Lyrics by Trey Parker, Matt Stone, and Robert Lopez
Co-Directors: Trey Parker and Casey Nicholaw
Choreographer: Casey Nicholaw
Broadway San Jose
www.broadwaysanjose.com
Photo courtesy of Joan Marcus

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