'A musical for the open-minded': Book of Mormon reopens for a second run in Madrid

The Book of Mormon', the acclaimed Broadway musical awarded nine Tony's from the creators of “South Park”, is about to premiere its second season in Spain at the Teatro Calderón in Madrid.

If you haven't seen it, the musical is an explosive mix of dark humour, irreverence and social critique peppered with a frenetic rhythm of sketches and a well-crafted musical line. Last season it wowed critics and fans alike to become the great surprise sensation of musical theatre in the Spanish capital, the third most important showcase for musicals after New York and London.

The play follows the misadventures of two young Mormon missionaries sent to Uganda. Elder Price is a successful young man who has to adapt to reality while Elder Cunningham is a dreamer with little social success who ends up succeeding in the style of ‘Don Quixote and Sancho Panza’.

It is worth noting the infinity of external references that are sprinkled throughout the work by the latter character. Africa is a setting that serves as a catalyst to address controversial issues such as colonialism, poverty, as well as religious beliefs.

The musical numbers and choreography bring colour and life to the adventures of the missionary Elders, with up to 20 people on stage, including singers and dancers, depending on the number. The musical interpretation is superb, with live music perfectly directed by Joan Miquel Pérez and a series of nods to Disney songs.

The melodies of ‘Aladdin’, ‘Beauty and the Beast’ or ‘The Lion King’ can be heard in the musical arrangements to show off the voices of the main characters such as Elder Price (Jan Buxaderas) or Nabulungi (Aisha Fay), the daughter of the Elder's guide once in Uganda.

The Elders' polyphony in the opening scenes, with