2 response papers to realized products of theater (each one needs two pages)（recent show)

Response Paper to the “Book of Mormon," Theatre Musicals

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Response Paper to the "Book Of Mormon," Theatre Musicals

The Book of Mormons, Theatre Musicals (Midtown West)

Synopsis

The presentation “The Book of Mormons” is a musical comedy that showcases different Mormon practices and beliefs. However, the key emphasis in this theatrical piece is an endorsement of the positive power of service and love. The play is centered on two Mormon missionaries as they undertake their missionary endeavors in a remote village in Uganda, East Africa. Interestingly, the locals seem not to be interested with the visitors as they are dealing with more pressing issues such as hunger, diseases, HIV/AIDS, famine, economic difficulties, trouble from local warlords and criminal gangs among others. The musical in this presentation makes fun of the Mormon religion by hilariously showcasing feelings of same-sex relationships.

A critical analysis of the actor Elder McKinley

The role Elder McKinley is played by the closeted Rowan Witt a male missionary character in the theatrical. He plays the role when he is a late teen up to the time when he is a young adult. The character who occasionally dances when performing his roles is also a singer with a baritone voice. Specifically, the voice can be classified as a high note baritone of A#4/Bb4. The present setting where he plays is in Uganda and Utah.

In essence, Rowan Witt choreographs the role of elder McKinley expertly and in a camp frenzy style. The character’s body language showcases an aching love to showbiz which he repeatedly glorifies in this movie. Despite the story poking fun at the Mormons, the character, Elder McKinley has changed its perspective since he acts maturely while also learning about life. He has a strong desire to help not only his colleagues but also the community around where he and his colleague are working. In the end, he has greatly helped in offsetting the religious dogma that had been taught in the introductory presentations. Elder McKinley showcases that as human beings, we need to be of value to one another rather than being of a nuisance. In other words, we need to create joy with each other as well as change the situation from negative to positive. As much as life may present to us lemons, we need to learn how to make lemonades out of them. This is exactly what elder McKinley has done by turning what can be presumed as a negative image to his church into a positive one.

As the leader of district 9 which is Uganda in this context, Elder McKinley is haunted by the prospect of having to suffer in hell since he is oriented towards homosexuality. These feelings are heightened when he remembers the church's teaching that feelings of homosexuality are immoral and a great sin before God. As much as he desires to control himself, he finds himself unable to do it. Rather, these feelings continue increasing day by day. By watching him, there is no doubt that the Ugandan character is spectacular. The costumes he is wearing, his singing, and dance moves can be described as a riot.

Conclusion

In this theatre production of the “Book of the Mormons” I specially chose to discuss the character Elder McKinley due to his ability to express himself freely and elaborately when acting. This makes it easy for the audience to know him better regarding what he thinks to do and also his general character. Furthermore, despite undergoing different challenges such as being rejected, he employs different means to make people believe him. In other words, he has tried to look for opportunities in the midst of challenges. What is more, despite him being obsessed with the feelings of homosexuality, at the end accepts himself as he is letting all the negative feelings out thus relieving himself.

Reference

SHN Curran Theatre (2018).The Book of Mormons, Theatre Musical. San Fransico, California, 2018 October 1.