The Book of Mormon

Ken and I saw the Book of Mormon musical today down at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood. I have been dying to see this musical since it opened on Broadway, and I was so thankful that Los Angeles wasn't made to wait too long.  As soon as tickets went on sale to the public, I was on my computer. It took just over 20 minutes to finally secure them, but I had tickets for Ken and me. 

I was so excited last night waiting until I could get up and get to Hollywood.  I was almost as excited as a kid at Christmas or the night before I would go to Disneyland.  I love the theatre - there's no doubt about it. My grandmother, Eileen, instilled a love of the arts in me. But this was going to be so much more. Some background to explain....

My mother's family joined the Mormon church when she was in her teens. She "strayed" from the church, but she rejoined when I was 7, and my life went into a tail spin from then on.  There is so much that I can say about the history of the church, the beliefs, and the mind-fucking that I endured by so many of the people, but I have always tried to keep my opinions to myself. Unfortunately, I get inundated with so many people who condemn me. In the Mormon faith, I am truly destined for hell - I had the "true church" and I walked away from it. I didn't just stop going one day. Oh no! I actually wrote a letter to Salt Lake City, Utah, and demanded that my "records" be removed; I stated that I did not believe in the Mormon faith and I wanted no part of it.

The decision to write that letter came after a lot (and I do mean A LOT) of personal reflection, study, and research. As a Mormon, I was forbidden from reading any books that weren't "approved" nor talking to people who spoke against "The Church." I sang the songs they taught me, but as I got older, they felt creepy. In hindsight, the songs for little kids are very brainwash-ish. You're not allowed to think for yourself, and the woman's role in the Mormon church is very limited. It wasn't for me, so I left. I look back now and wonder how I could have ever believed that stuff, but the indoctrination is very complete, so there are always some times when I have that little nagging in the back of my head and wonder, "Oh shit! What if they are actually right?!"  Then I go through my research again and remember that all is well.

So, today, Ken and I arrived early enough to get a wonderful parking spot and to grab a bit to eat before our Matinee showing. We took the pictures before going into the theatre, and I was totally excited.  Of course, the first picture Ken took was NOT of me in front of the marquee.  

I sat in the Mezzanine section of the beautiful Pantages Theatre and anxiously awaited the start of the musical.  I snuck a picture of the stage, and I have to say, the moment the musical started, I was hooked. There was some funky music playing while lights twinkled over the Moroni statue. Ha! That was an awesome way to start things out!

There was only one inaccuracy about the Mormon faith throughout the entire musical: the musical portrayed that the missionaries get their "callings" to what area of the world to preach to while at the Missionary Training Center. I'm sure it was done that way to make things shorter and easier to follow, but everything else that was talked about and sung about was totally accurate.  I have to say that the special musical number about "The Scary Mormon Hell Dream" was not only hysterical, but it reminded me of the times that I was frightened into submission as a child. Then there was the musical number to just "Turn it Off" meaning that rather than deal with horrible things that happen to you and having actual feelings, just "turn it off" and you'll be OK.  Talk about nailing some ideas!!!  I remember being told that I was being "over-emotional" about the abuse I was suffering at home and then being given some "strategies" in order to help me "move on."

Holy shit!! This musical was fucking fabulous!!! I laughed throughout the entire musical, and I truly loved the end - honestly, it was great. The point of the entire thing was done in the last few minutes, and it was to stress that no matter what the religion and what they believe, the point is that we are to help one another, be there for one another and as long as others' are made to feel better about themselves and empowered without trampling on others, nothing about the religion should matter.....no matter how silly it sounds.

Ken spent the entire time on the drive home asking the same question, "They really believe that?!" He would ask about specifics, and I was happy to answer his questions.  I was once the Really Good Mormon Girl, so I remember the answers.  I know that there have been changes over the last 18 years to certain ideas, but the core is still the core.

When we stopped for fuel, I was giggling with delight over my car: it turned 100,000 miles today!! Whoo-hoo! 

This little car will be paid off next month, and I will always love that Ken bought it for me and the girls when I had nothing else. He believed in me, and gave me a hand when I needed it, and I will always treasure my little Chevy.