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‘Book of Mormon’ announces performance dates at Blaisdell

COURTESY BOOK OF MORMON

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 on mission to Uganda. With clever songs that put a satirical twist on the religious tenets of Mormonism, the musical drew widespread praise and reportedly 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."

The musical also has drawn muted response from the Mormon Church, in some cases distributing flyers 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, Orchestration, 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 at 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 Saturdays, with a Saturday matinee at 2 p.m., and Sunday shows at 1 and 6:30 p.m., starting April 13 through May 1. Hawaii Opera Theatre offices are at 848 S. Beretania St. Call 593-9468 for information. Adult language and themes.

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