Broadway smash hit “The Book of Mormon” will open for a limited engagement at Blaisdell Concert Hall next spring.

Written by Trey Parker and Matt Stone of “South Park” and Robert Lopez of “Avenue Q,” “The Book of Mormon” follows the misadventures of two young Mormon missionaries who go to Uganda. With clever songs that put a satirical twist on the religious tenets of Mormonism, the musical drew widespread praise and  left audience members “sore from laughing so hard,” said the New York Post.

The New York Times called it “heaven on Broadway” and “a celebration of the privilege of living inside that improbable paradise called a musical comedy,” while the Los Angeles Times said, “It’s hard to imagine anyone topping the ding-dong hilarity.”

At a news conference at Blaisdell Concert Hall on Tuesday, the two leads in the musical, Billy Harrigan Tighe and A.J. Holmes, described the play as groundbreaking in its subject matter and presentation, while uplifting in its ultimate message. The two actors, who have been on tour with the show for about a year, said they were given extensive background on Mormon teachings to prepare for their roles.

“I think we show a character that loses his faith, and we give it back to him in a better way, and I hope that the experience of the audience mirrors that, whether it’s a religious experience or just feeling entertained,” said Tighe, who portrays Elder Price, who begins the play as a brash, confident missionary who’s “out to change the world.”

Holmes, who portrays Elder Cunningham, a socially awkward nerd whose desire to be liked leads him into trouble, said the play “makes you want to believe, or at least understand why people believe in something greater.”

The musical drew a muted response from the Mormon Church, which in some cases distributed fliers that say, “You’ve seen the play, now read the book.” The show has reportedly drawn some people to join the church.

The musical premiered on Broadway in 2011 and was nominated for 14 Tony Awards, winning 11, including Best Musical, Best Book, Best Original Score, Best Direction of a Musical, Best Orchestration, and Best Scenic and Costume Design. It has since played to sold-out audiences in London’s West End and has been on a nationwide tour since last spring which also has drawn full houses. The Hawaii performances will be the end of the tour.

Advance discount tickets for groups of 10 or more — which must be for one show — are now on sale through Hawaii Opera Theatre for the engagement, priced at $42.50-$173.50. Shows will be at 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, and 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sundays from April 13 through May 1. Hawaii Opera Theatre offices are at 848 S. Beretania St. Call 593-9468 for information. Adult language and themes.