The Book of Mormon on Broadway

Why does society flock to stories of hope, forgiveness, accepting imperfection and overcoming weakness? Because it gives us hope, brings communities together, diminishes evil and helps us believe in a better tomorrow…as shown in a fabulous ensemble number “Tomorrow is a Latter-day,” near the end of one of Broadway’s newest musicals, The Book of Mormon. This show might not be for all Mormons out there or the right-wing conservative, but if you’ve ever chuckled at even one South Park episode then you should head to Broadway to see what will definitely be a top contender for a Tony Award this year.

As a believer in the Mormon faith I did not find the musical to be mean spirited or horribly offensive. I went into the show expecting the worst, but laughed (sometimes at the uncomfortableness) and cheered (the acting and direction is amazing) just as loud as everyone around me. I adore the missionary songs and ensemble pieces. The opening Book of Mormon song is energizing, the Two by Two song made me feel nostalgia toward my mission experiences, Turn it off – a nifty little Mormon trick - is a melody I’ve been humming since Tuesday, the I am/We are Africa song might make you pee your pants a little, and the lineup of the last few songs really might bring a tear to your eyes (they didn’t have a song list in the program during previews so I don’t know the exact name of the songs). I wouldn’t be surprised to see a few of the appropriate songs turn up in ward talent shows.

So is the show irreverent? Absolutely - but not all of it! The first half of the show only has one horribly offensive song. Upon arrival to Africa, Elders Prince and Cunningham meet the villagers where they will be living. The villagers quickly dismiss their message of hope by explaining that they address their issues by singing a phrase (making fun of Lion King’s hakunamatata) that translates to and is visually carried out with choreography that gives God the middle finger. Because of the missionaries’ horribly offended reactions when they figure out the translation, you can’t help but laugh, but equally feel like you might get struck by lightning for laughing at this song – which any religious person would be offended by, not just Mormons.

The second half of the musical crosses the line even further with sexual gestures that are sure to offend more conservative viewers, but there is no nudity as other Broadway shows have included. The crude jokes in the musical are no worse than you might hear on an average day and of course should be expected from the creators of this show.

Some might also find the jokes in regards to how the teaching of the church are ridiculed - Joseph Smith finding gold plates, the origins of a third book and people testifying of Christ on the American continent, blacks and the priesthood, Kolob – as a bit insensitive, but if you are a Mormon and can’t admit that some of our beliefs are a little crazy…then you’re not realistic. There are unbelievable teachings and miracles within all religions; and also an undeniable power behind faith. I do love how the script and songs after anything that is offensive, or a little over the top, seem to be the most touching scenes of the show and the heart is quickly softened.

The gem of this show, and the aspects I felt also shed a charming light on the Mormon faith, is the strong message of hope and forgiveness in the show. Key to Mormon beliefs is the teachings that we are not perfect, we make mistakes, each of us has our own understanding of faith and religion, and our relationship with God is individual.

As a huge Broadway fan I loved the show, I love the last number before the intermission, I love the ending and the final number…the reprise is even better. I left the show with a smile on my face and still proud to be a Mormon. Even better, everyone who walks out of the theater watching this show have smiles on their faces. The Book of Mormon, the musical, is not a credible source for the teachings of the church, but I don’t believe anyone going to the show is going with the intent to find a true record of the Mormon faith. I wouldn’t be surprised if this show will help break the ice and prime the field for more discussions about The Church of Jesus-Christ of Latter-day Saints with friends and colleagues, where Mormons will have the opportunity to share the true doctrines.

I hope that no Mormon will criticize the show without seeing it…and I encourage Mormons everywhere to brave it and see the show to form your own opinion…and I really hope you’ll share your experience with me.

Note (updated March 19): I would like to clarify that I chose "brave it" to encourage those on the fence and interested in seeing the show to do so. This show is crass and would be R-rated. Read what is out there and decide what is best for you - a quick study of South Park material will give you a good idea of what you're in for. A couple of my close friends who recently saw the show, mentioned that they went into it expecting the crassness and offensiveness to be minimal, based on what I wrote in my post. I went in expecting the worst..and specifically wrote my thoughts based around the fact that the offenses taken at this show are not directly related to the Mormon faith and would offend many, regardless of religion. Anyone who opposes South Park humor may not like this show.

Dance Animation

So there is a good debate going on out there among arts presenters (particularly dance) about how we help audiences learn that dance is more than 2-3 minute "thrills" as presented on DWTS and SYTYCD. Think of how much more difficult it is to create an evening-length work - Swan Lake, Nutcracker, Ailey's Revelations...the list of stunning works is lengthy but rarely a platform arises for anything more than 5 minutes to get viewed by the mass public. A blogger the other day asked me if my client Dance New Amsterdam has seen a rise in new students in their ballet classes because of Black Swan, and maybe they will. When DWTS came on the scene most of the ballroom studios here in NYC saw about a 30% increase in new students. I'm a huge supporter of getting dance viewed anywhere and everywhere and little by little the audience to new evening-length works will increase, that and they need to hire a smart public relations strategist (hint, hint).

So one of those mediums to get dance viewed anywhere - my alumni association sent out this new dance animation short film that BYU animation professor Ryan Woodward collaborated with Dance professor Kori Wakamatsu to create a touching number. I think its pretty cool, so wanted to share.

Thought of You from Ryan J Woodward on Vimeo.

A Perfect NYC Day

So if you're looking for something unique to do in NYC let me provide you with some details for a perfect day. My roommate Jami introduced me to the Turkish and Russian Bathhouse a few years back and last weekend I went for my 8th time. There are other bathhouses in the city, but the Lower East Side location (an original bath house from the tenement days) has the best "community." You'll find plenty of people to talk to and you move from room to room and it is worth every penny. Now, I am a clean freak, but I just have to let go of that when I go to the bathhouse. They try to keep it clean, but with the amount of people that go, the water, sweating, etc...I wouldn't consider it the cleanest place. This is not a serene spa experience. Think rugged, raw, "Old Testament," and just let go of all your inhibitions. Plan to stay 4 hours and you'll leave feeling relaxes, detoxed, clean, and your skin will feel as soft as a baby for days.

You'll work up an appetite at the bathhouse but I've found the best thing I've even ate at a nearby restaurant, Luzzo's. Mala and I found it after a previous bathhouse outing and the reviews said the pizza was better than Grimaldi's and I'd have to agree. The pasta, pizza, and everything about this place is YUMMY, YUMMY, YUMMY. I crave this restaurant, specifically the Pappardelle Speck E Porcini homemade pasta with speck, porcini mushroom and truffle oil. OMG - this is the most amazing dish I've ever had. I even raved about it so much to the owner that he took me back into the kitchen, showed me how to make it and then packed up a 2nd dish to send home with me. AMAZING! Only problem, the homemade pasta and perfect cooking of it is what truly makes the dish and I don't have a pasta maker yet, so it will have to way until I can recreate this on my own and figure out the perfect measurements.

So try it out and tell me what you think of my idea of a perfect day in NYC. I promise you that you'll have a blast.

If you'd like to try some of the other bathhouses check out this link as a reference. You should also try out the Korean Spa Castle (plan for 8 hours there).

Dance for better health in 2011

So its been a while since I've blogged, just been cooking away and busy with work. But I'm committed to updating the blog with some theater reviews and more over the holiday.

Here are some fun facts to encourage some dancing in the New Year. Mayo Clinic reported that dancing helps to reduce stress, increase energy, improve strength, and increase muscle tone and coordination. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) says that dancing can
lower your risk of coronary heart disease, decrease blood pressure, help you manage your weight and strengthen the bones of your legs and hips.

Here is the full story.

So get up and dance, it will make you happy.

Dance = Happiness - Step Up 3D is Fabulous

Tonight was an awesome night of dance for me. My client, Young Dancemakers Company had their final showing and it was a one-of-a-kind performance with four fabulous dancers from the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company (more on this later, I'll share some press hits). I had to RUN out of the reception to make it to the Empire theater to see a premiere of Step Up 3D! In fact, I had reserved seats (through my client DNA and some networking we started with Disney). Honestly, it was a perfect night.

Step Up 3D is UNREAL!!! It has some killer dance scenes. I particularly like the dance off in water, the Tango scene, and the skeleton lights scene. The dancing is definitely over the top amazing and the stunts are equally fantastic (especially with the 3D which makes it a completely new experience). The cinematography is top notch the way they capture the movement, lighting and personalities. I absolutely love the Lombard twins who I've danced Tango with a few times. When they told me a year ago they were in the film I didn't realize they would be one of the main attractions. They add quite a few laughs and they are perfectly in sync (as probably only twins can be).

If you enjoy watching dance just a little bit, I think you'll be able to enjoy this movie. Dance is its asset, the story line and acting are non-original and a no better than the previous two versions. Just sit back and enjoy the dancing and hope that maybe someday a dance movie will actually have an original plot to match. I love that Step Up 3D highlights the quaintness of NYC and I wish a club like the one in the movie actually existed here. Maybe this movie will help it be forthcoming.

What did you do for National Dance Dance?

Producers from So You Think You Can Dance worked with congress to institute a National Dance Day, which was this past Saturday, July 31. Put it on your calendar for next year.

I celebrated the day with a beach trip followed by a client performance. Young Dancemakers Company took to the stage at the Ailey Center Saturday night for their Finale and Gala performance. These 16 youth dancers and choreographers are phenomenal and truly created some stunning works for the 15th Season. Themes of their dances ranged from power struggles and domestic violence to the seven deadly sins and freedom. Check out this video put together by NY Examiner reporter Jennifer Rathbone.


If this post puts you in the mood to dance, check out this creative and simple choreography from Napoleon and Tabitha D’umo, choreographers on SYTYCD.

They encouraged fans everywhere to learn it and perform the choreography at central location in what is called a "flash mob" demonstration on July 31. Fans could also upload videos of themselves learning the dance to youtube and SYTYCD's facebook page. They showed quite a few of them during their results show this past Thursday.

Yeah for National Dance Day and thank you SYTYCD producers for initiating the movement.

My Old Spice Man Keeps Getting Better

Yet another fabulous ad from Old Spice features the fantastic Isaiah Mustafa. The 1st ad was nominated for an Emmy. The ad firm is on the right track, these commercials are doing what commercials are suppose to do - draw you into watching them just as intently (maybe even more) than the TV show you're watching.