Broadway Show Analysis
“Hello”: A Satirical Look at The Book of Mormon
With Broadway showcasing new and fantastical productions every year, a new show arrived; 2012 would prove to be the year for The Book of Mormon. The show was written and produced by Matt Stone and Trey Parker, the creators of the quintessential adult animated show South Park. The Broadway show was nominated and also won “Best Show” of 2012 at the Tonys. The video clip is a recording of the song “Hello” performed at the 2012 Tony Awards (Book of Mormon, 2012). Its seemingly effortless use of witty dialogue and harsh criticism both expose the ridiculous nature of Mormons and religion itself as a manipulative institution. The writers used juvenalian satire since most of the jokes and comedic allusions …show more content…
After watching this award-winning show, the audience should be questioning their own beliefs. The song “Hello” contains the line,”so you won’t burn in hell-o!” (Ibid). The chorus sings the word “hell,” then stretches the end of the word out and changes it back into the word “hello” as they ring yet another doorbell in an attempt to make a new convert. The line has an incredible contrast, as well as having biting wit. It directly conflicts with the stereotypical happy nature of Mormons. They are saying hello and happily greeting many different folks. The line almost ends with the word “hell” but they change to the word “hello” just before concluding. Their upbeat nature is conflicting with the concept of saving souls from burning in hell for eternity. These spiritual beliefs are legitimately serious to the adherents. They hope to save as many souls as possible. Matt Stone and Trey Parker are not strangers to harsh criticism themselves. Frequently, artists find themselves under public scrutiny when displaying personal works. Matt and Trey retaliate furiously with their comedic criticism of Mormons. In the video, criticism is utilized when each character sings and acts in a highly theatrical and Broadway style. This openly mocks mormons simply by having them sing and dance in the bold manner of a Broadway production. Their message becomes a literal joke to the
With Broadway showcasing new and fantastical productions every year, a new show arrived; 2012 would prove to be the year for The Book of Mormon. The show was written and produced by Matt Stone and Trey Parker, the creators of the quintessential adult animated show South Park. The Broadway show was nominated and also won “Best Show” of 2012 at the Tonys. The video clip is a recording of the song “Hello” performed at the 2012 Tony Awards (Book of Mormon, 2012). Its seemingly effortless use of witty dialogue and harsh criticism both expose the ridiculous nature of Mormons and religion itself as a manipulative institution. The writers used juvenalian satire since most of the jokes and comedic allusions …show more content…
After watching this award-winning show, the audience should be questioning their own beliefs. The song “Hello” contains the line,”so you won’t burn in hell-o!” (Ibid). The chorus sings the word “hell,” then stretches the end of the word out and changes it back into the word “hello” as they ring yet another doorbell in an attempt to make a new convert. The line has an incredible contrast, as well as having biting wit. It directly conflicts with the stereotypical happy nature of Mormons. They are saying hello and happily greeting many different folks. The line almost ends with the word “hell” but they change to the word “hello” just before concluding. Their upbeat nature is conflicting with the concept of saving souls from burning in hell for eternity. These spiritual beliefs are legitimately serious to the adherents. They hope to save as many souls as possible. Matt Stone and Trey Parker are not strangers to harsh criticism themselves. Frequently, artists find themselves under public scrutiny when displaying personal works. Matt and Trey retaliate furiously with their comedic criticism of Mormons. In the video, criticism is utilized when each character sings and acts in a highly theatrical and Broadway style. This openly mocks mormons simply by having them sing and dance in the bold manner of a Broadway production. Their message becomes a literal joke to the