We saw it over the weekend, too - Saturday matinee showing. I am a big South Park fan and have a strange fascination with Mormonism (plus I like musicals), so I came in with very high expectations.
And they were met. It’s not just the funniest, but also the smartest show I’ve seen, and it also has a big, big heart at the very center of it all.
I’ll admit that after the 1st intermission, I was somewhat concerned because while I was really enjoying myself, I hadn’t yet had any of those blushing belly laugh moments I was hoping for. But, Heavenly Father, does the 2nd act deliver all of that in a big way. Without giving too much away, there’s a “play within the play” sort of thing that was, simply, one of the most brilliant things I’ve ever seen - on the soundtrack, this is “Joseph Smith, American Moses,” but about 80 percent of the comedy is lost if you’re not seeing it in person. Absolutely riveting - this got the biggest response of the show from the audience.
I also lost my shit laughing whenever Jesus spoke during the vignettes about the origins of Mormonism. (When Jesus talks in these parts, the actor is lip syncing over a recording done by Trey Parker.) This was also the first Broadway show I’ve been to where the standing O at the end wasn’t obligatory or forced or at all reluctant. The whole audience was on its feet within 10 seconds.
Can’t wait to buy the cast recording later this month. Hasa Diga Eebowai!