The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Its Response to the Broadway Musical 'The Book of Mormon'
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as the Mormon Church, has a rich tradition of using storytelling and pageantry to convey the teachings and experiences of the Book of Mormon. One such example is the Hill Cumorah Pageant, which has been running in upstate New York for decades, providing members and non-members alike with a vivid and emotive narrative of the events described in the Book of Mormon.
A Tradition of Pageantry
Even before the Broadway musical 'The Book of Mormon' debuted, the Church had been proactive in producing their own theatrical representations. Every summer, Church members organize pageants across various regions, with the Hill Cumorah Pageant being the most famous. Themed around the events in the Book of Mormon, these pageants are a cornerstone of community involvement and cultural expression.
Short Video Series
In recent times, the Church has shifted its focus to short video series based on the Book of Mormon. These videos, shot at BYU-Hawaii, are looking for actors to bring the narrative to life. This initiative is notable for its high production values, akin to the Bible series which received critical acclaim for its authentic and immersive settings. The Church has already completed a series of short videos based on the Bible, featuring stunning sets and special effects.
No Plan for a Musical Response
Given the success and high production standards of these video series, it's clear that the Church has no immediate plans for a full-scale musical production. The current pageants and video series suffice in conveying the key stories and messages of the Book of Mormon. This decision was likely made after careful consideration of the resources and the intended purpose of such productions.
Addressing Adversity
The Broadway musical 'The Book of Mormon', despite its critical success on stage, faced significant backlash from the Church and its members. The musical, which portrays religious themes in a satirical and sometimes vulgar manner, was seen as an affront to sacred beliefs. However, rather than react defensively, Church members have used this opportunity to engage more deeply with those interested in learning more about the Church.
A Turning Point for Outreach
The response to the Broadway show has created an unintended benefit: increased interest from those who were curious about the Church or the Book of Mormon. Members have turned this adversity into an opportunity to share the Gospel. My brother, who was a Church representative at the time, wrote a detailed account of one such interaction that took place during the national tour of the Broadway show in Rochester, NY in 2013.
Interaction with the Cast and Crew
In response to the 'Book of Mormon' musical's national tour, the Rochester Stake Public Affairs Committee invited the cast and crew to tour the Palmyra Church History Sites. This invitation was favorably received by both the cast and the local Church leaders, including the former Hill Cumorah Pageant director and costume designer. The tour included visits to significant locations such as the Hill Cumorah, the Joseph Smith Farm, and the Sacred Grove.
The interaction was far from a one-way street. Missionaries used this opportunity to educate the cast and crew about the Church and its teachings. For instance, one missionary recounted, "We couldn’t believe you invited us. They responded with big smiles, 'And we couldn’t believe you accepted.'"
Engaging with the Community
During the tour, the cast and crew were treated to a deep dive into the history and legacy of the Church, which greatly enriched their understanding of the characters they were portraying. Some of the actors even filled out referral cards after the performance, indicating a significant shift in their attitude and interest in the Church's message.
As one of the cast members noted, "This has been so enlightening. This totally changes my idea about the missionaries. This will change how I approach my character." This positive outcome demonstrates the Church's ability to turn potential adversaries into enthusiastic supporters of their message.
Conclusion
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a strong tradition of using storytelling and pageantry to convey the teachings of the Book of Mormon. While the Broadway musical 'The Book of Mormon' faced strong criticism, the Church has not responded with a full-scale musical production. Instead, they have adapted by creating short video series and continuing with their existing pageants, which have proven to be effective in engaging with both members and non-members alike.
Adversity has, in some cases, been turned into an opportunity to share the Gospel. As the Church continues to navigate the challenges of modern culture, these strategies demonstrate their commitment to engaging with the world in a positive and meaningful way.