The Book of Mormon (Original Broadway Cast Recording) [Cast Recording]

Original Broadway Cast | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 7, 2011)
• Original Release Date: 2011
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Cast Recording
• Label: Ghostlight
• ASIN: B004X1M4DS
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Music
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (241 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #290 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #8 in Music > Broadway & Vocalists > Musicals > General
  • #21 in Music > Soundtracks

Editorial Reviews

The 2011 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album and nine 2011 Tony Awards® say it's the Best Musical of the Year. Vogue says, "It's the funniest musical of all time." And The New York Times says, "It's the best musical of this century." It's THE BOOK OF MORMON, the Broadway musical from South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone and Avenue Q co-creator Robert Lopez. The Daily Show's Jon Stewart calls it "A crowning achievement. So good, it makes me angry."

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

107 of 114 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Nothing short of miraculous! May 25, 2011

By EJon

Format:MP3 Music

How often does a truly original musical succeed on Broadway? Most shows are either based on familiar stories, revivals of old shows, or "jukebox theater" like Mama Mia or Jersey Boys. Somehow, Parker, Stone and Lopez pushed this unlikely concept through, and the result is nothing short of miraculous.

I saw the show on Broadway and loved it, but the music was so tightly integrated into the story that I wasn't sure if would stand on its own. Rest assured, however, that it does. I have a number of other cast albums, and even from musicals I really liked, there are always a few tracks that I merely tolerate - or skip over - to get to my favorites, but in this show, *all* the songs are gems. OK, "I am Africa" is pretty cheesy, but that's the point; it's supposed to be, and like everything else they do it really well.

Right up front, let me warn you: the show and the music are *very* profane and *very* blasphemous. If you know Parker and Stone, you know they pull no punches and take no prisoners. If those things bother you - at all - you will probably hate this album. Otherwise, you will see that, just like South Park, behind the satire and cynicism, there's joy, innocence, and (to use the word so many reviewers have used) "sweetness". There's also a genuine affection for Mormons. They get a lot of mileage out of Mormon dogma and practices, but are never really mean about it - and they have all their facts straight. The heroes are, and remain, Latter Day Saints (and it's worth noting that they are never themselves profane or blasphemous). it wouldn't shock me if this ends up increasing, rather than decreasing, interest in the Mormon faith.

How can songs as satirical and crude as these still manage to pull your heart strings and sometimes even bring a tear to your eye? Seriously, getting misty over Salt Lake City - eh, I mean "Sal Tlay Ka Siti"? Who else could pull that off?

The surprising thing is that at heart, it's a very traditional, by the numbers musical. Except for the novelty, there are no gimmicks. It's got big show tunes, traditional choreography, and a simple, even insipid plot. One might even call it an homage of sorts, because there are nods to lots of other musicals in there - most obviously Lion King, but plenty of others, too. In some ways, this is the biggest triumph of the show. While others are convinced you have to, oh I don't know, drop actors from webs to entertain audiences, these guys prove that good music, good humor, and classic feel good message will send them home happy.

156 of 175 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Mormon and loving it more every day. June 9, 2011

By Joshua Johnstun

Format:MP3 Music

I am a Mormon. I served an LDS mission to NYC, am still active in the church and I love this musical.

Don't think that I represent the church (or even many of the members). Yes, this is full of offensive things and dirty language, but you were expecting that, weren't you? They take some liberties with the beliefs of the LDS faith, but in general, these are things we believe (they did get the facts right for the song 'I Believe' at least).

And at least the music agrees with the official Church statement in one respect: "This is the most amazing book; you won't believe how much it will change your life." Though they do poke fun at the religion, they somehow do it respectfully. Don't forget, they say some very offensive things, but I think those shots are aimed to offend everyone, not just Mormons. That distinction is where the magic lies. I explained the plot to my extremely devout grandmother and even she had a chuckle. However, I wouldn't recommend that she listen to it because, as stated, it is explicit!

So down to the music: this is hands-down one of the best scores ever written. Forget Phantom. Hasa Diga Les Miserables. If you have an ear for catchy music and are familiar with the South Park crew, do yourself a favor and get this album.

48 of 53 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Most exciting Broadway 2011 recording! ... but not for the faint of heart! May 20, 2011

By lunasera

Format:MP3 Music

If you are generally offended by Southpark or Team America, or had no desire to see them, then I would imagine you won't like this either. But shouldn't that be obvious????

There is a lot here for people who are more Broadway then Southpark fans too though, especially all the little homages to other musicals throughout (Wicked progressions in 'you and me', 'Hasa Diga' - Lion King, and 'I Believe' parodies Sound of Music.) About 1/2 the soundtrack is highly addictive and will stick in your head - careful singing some of those lyrics in public though! The rest is enjoyable, but the highlights for me are the first five songs and I Believe.

You also have to have a sense of humor about religion in general to appreciate the musical, but I can say as a rather liberal Christian I didn't find it offensive - but you need to have an open mind. Overall, especially having seen the actual show, the show is quite good hearted about religion and although it pokes fun at Mormonism I didn't find it to be mean spirited.

For the one star reviewers... why are you seeking out something you are predisposed to find offensive? If you don't like it.... Turn it off, like a light switch... or put it in a box and CRUSH IT! ;)