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The Book of Mormon Is Golden in Return Run at the TPAC

by Rich and Laura Lynch

There was a collective gasp that rose up from the God-fearing crowd in Nashville early in the performance of THE BOOK OF MORMON at the TPAC on Thursday, November 17, 2016. During "Hasa Diga Eebowai" it was revealed that the catchy African phrase was really a flip-off to the Creator. But, that outrage was immediately followed by a roomful of laughter and loud applause as the ensemble cast brought the complex dance number to a close. And, that should tell you everything you need to know about the critically lauded and award-winning play from the creators of South Park and Avenue Q. The play of the century about a uniquely American religion is terribly shocking and totally entertaining at the same time.


THE BOOK OF MORMON features book, music and lyrics by Trey Parker, Robert Lopez and Matt Stone. Parker and Stone are the four-time Emmy Award-winning creators of the landmark animated series, "South Park." Tony Award-winner Lopez is co-creator of the long-running hit musical comedy, Avenue Q. The musical is choreographed by Tony Award-winner Casey Nicholaw (Monty Python's Spamalot, The Drowsy Chaperone) and is directed by Nicholaw and Parker.

THE BOOK OF MORMON is the winner of nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Score (Trey Parker, Robert Lopez, Matt Stone), Best Book (Trey Parker, Robert Lopez, Matt Stone), Best Direction (Casey Nicholaw, Trey Parker), Best Featured Actress (Nikki M. James), Best Scenic Design (Scott Pask), Best Lighting Design (Brian MacDevitt), Best Sound Design (Brian Ronan) and Best Orchestrations (Larry Hochman, Stephen Oremus); the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical; five Drama Desk Awards including Best Musical, the 2011 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album; four Outer Critics Circle Awards, including Best Musical, and the Drama League Award for Best Musical.

The story centers around two young male Mormon missionaries who are intent on bringing the message of Joseph Smith and the tales of Moroni to eager ears around the world. Elder Price is the charismatic and more idealistic of the pair with charm and good looks that will go a long way in literally opening doors for them. In "You and Me (But Mostly Me)" we learn he is gung-ho to make a major impact with his message - as long as he's assigned to Orlando. His partner is the nerdy and prone to telling tall-tales Elder Cunningham who is initially happy just to bask in the glow of his new best friend.

Not everything goes to plan when the two are sent to war torn Uganda complete with its strife, poverty and AIDS ravaged populace. Somehow the writers have made a hilarious comedy out of this depressing subject matter as a story of trial and triumph unfolds over the show's two action-packed and fast-paced acts.

During "Turn It Off" we watch as Price and Cunningham meet their fellow Mormon servants in Africa and find out that they've been woefully unsuccessful in winning any converts from this tricky and foreign mission field. The newly arrived two are taught how to overcome their fears and desires with a simple mental flick of the switch.

The dynamic and dramatic "Spooky Mormon Hell Dream" is a show stopper complete with a deliciously decked out depiction of Hades and a larger than life Satan proving that the concept of guilt is not exclusive to the realm of Catholicism and Judaism. Not to be outdone - a lovely golden locked Jesus makes a few cameo appearances - but the Lord sounds suspiciously a lot like Eric Cartman so perhaps that should be a cause of concern for the Nashville faithful.

Elder Cunningham's penchant for lying - or making things up as he goes along - turns the original message of Moroni into a strange and funny mash-up of western culture and the harsh day-to-day reality of life in Uganda. His hybrid gospel spreads like the telephone game and he wins many believers for the LDS and soon he's immortalized in Mormon history taking his place among the giants like Joseph Smith and Brigham Young to bring the unlikely story to a celebrated conclusion.

Related Links: For more information on THE BOOK OF MORMON and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links -- The Book of Mormon | TPAC

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### MusicCityNashville.net: The Fray Put Their Best On Display with American Authors Opening in Nashville (Concert Review)

The Fray Put Their Best On Display
with American Authors Opening in Nashville
A MusicCityNashville.net Music Feature

The Fray along with American Authors put on their best display at the War Memorial Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee on November 12, 2016. Both bands were formed in the 2000s reflecting the textures and tones of that decade while still expanding their musical pallets into the present day. A mix of their fans were in attendance at Saturday's show revealing a wide age range of listeners who were generally attentive even during some of The Fray's slower songs.


The Fray showcased their best songs in Nashville.

The Fray formed in 2002 in Denver, Colorado. They hit it big with their debut album How To Save A Life and they have continued to build on its success. The Fray's use of the piano as the lead instrument in their music has led critics to compare them with bands such as Coldplay and Keane. However, The Fray lists its influences as the Wallflowers, Counting Crows, Better Than Ezra and U2. Their style is a blend of alternative and classic rock addressing issues of life's challenges in their insightful lyrics.

On November 4th, 2016 The Fray released Through The Years: The Best of The Fray. The career spanning set starts with the Fray's definitive RIAA 5x-platinum breakthroughs "Over My Head (Cable Car)" and "How to Save a Life". The collection features their most iconic songs in chronological order culminating with three new tunes. The Fray is currently on tour in support of the new record. They are offering special VIP packages as part of the celebration of The Fray's first ten award winning years as a group.


Music City came alive with the music of Colorado's - The Fray.

The piano was center stage as flashing lights and piped in music announced the arrival of The Fray who chose to use low lights for the opening numbers "Singing Low" and "You Found Me". "Hurricane" paired "Edgy" guitar riffs with a steady, solid rhythm. The Fray's put their own unique spin on Oasis' "Look After You/Wonderwall". "All at Once" was a more up-tempo tune that had the crowd moving before going into the moodier but visually vibrant "6 Rainy Zurich" and "Vienna".

About mid show The Fray greeted the audience talking about their early days and how they started writing songs about the things they were scared of. The chart topping "How To Save A Life" was a high point. Next, was the acoustic portion of the show. Softer drums, acoustic guitars and keys created a subtle spell for "Heartbeat" along with the reflective and relatable "Heaven Forbid". Other memorable moments included "Never Say Never" and "Love Don't Die". The encore featured feisty versions of "Syndicate" and "Over My Head (Cable Car) ending their concert on a high note.


An acoustic set from The Fray changed the pace just a bit.

The opening act the American Authors met in 2006 at Berklee College of Music where they formed a band. They played the Boston circuit before relocating to Brooklyn, New York in 2010. Soon after, this alternative rock band found their music featured in ads, film and television. American Authors appeared at a number of major festivals such as Lollapaloza winning fans over with their energetic and engaging live performances.

The floor and seated sections at the Auditorium were already filling in prior to American Authors taking the stage. They were enthusiastically greeted by Music City. American Authors opened with a giddy "Go Big or Go Home". Fans had their hands in the air and were singing along to the good grooves of the tune. "Luck" was equally as lively, yet well mixed so that the mandolin could be heard in addition to the vigorous rhythms that propelled the tune. The popular title track from their second album What We Live For maintained the animated mood of their set list.


American Authors helped restore our faith in American rock music.

American Authors had a strong stage presence and their harmonies were often the pinnacle of their mostly up-tempo tunes. Lead vocalist Zac Barnett struck us as a dynamic mix of Jim Morrison and Michael Hutchence. He shared some of their history with the audience recalling penning "Trouble" in a cramped bedroom in Brooklyn. It started as a stark acoustic piece before the pace picked for a catchy country inspired close. They finished up by pairing the spirited "Believer" (a MGMT cover) with the "The Best Day of My Life". The crowd connected with both tunes jumping and singing along. American Authors are penning their own story of success with live performance that are compelling and showcasing their songs in various mediums such as video games.

The War Memorial Auditorium located in downtown Nashville sits directly in front of the Tennessee State Capitol. Built in 1925, this historic building is an adaptable concert hall, performance space, wedding site, video/film location and graduation commencement venue. The hall has good acoustics. In fact, a number of live albums have been recorded on its crescent shape stage. Concerts such as The Fray along with other shows are periodically held at this venerable venue. Upcoming events at the War Memorial Auditorium include It's A Wonderful Life, Mistletoe Madness and The Flaming Lips.


American Authors - there's something special about these five guys from Brooklyn.

Related Links: For more information on THE FRAY and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links -- The Fray | American Authors | War Memorial Auditorium

(Originally Published on November 14, 2016)