This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
GRADE: B-
CD • Now comes the cast recording of "The Book of Mormon" musical, available for download today before the CD hits stores June 7.
"South Park" creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone collaborated with Broadway composers Marc Shaiman ("Hairspray"), and Robert Lopez ( co-composer and co-lyricist of "Avenue Q").
And it shows, as the music features traditional Broadway arrangements, mixed with sanitized elements of African music and rock.
"Jersey Boys" veteran Andrew Rannells (as Elder Price) and "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" vet Josh Gad (Elder Cunningham) offer full-throated vocals.
The lyrics are clever, slightly scandalous, and of great interest to local audiences.
What's most offensive about "The Book of Mormon" score is that music is often dull and, worst of all, derivative within the musical theater genre.
— David Burger