This past month, I was able to see the “Book of Mormon” musical at the Orpheum Theatre. The show’s incredible staging, performance, and technical elements amazed me. Aside from being a masterful satire of the Mormon church, the play also confronts real societal issues of religious doubt, the ethics of missionary work, and the everyday struggles of people in impoverished nations. However, what intrigued me most was the lighting, set, and costume design elements of the play.
As a member of Oakland Tech’s technical theatre program, Tech Techies, I am always drawn to the overlooked elements of productions— the moments the audience is supposed to miss. While the talent of the actors on stage is spectacular, the remarkable skills of the backstage crew who perform seamlessly and quick set transitions and move props off stage, all while remaining hidden, was awe-striking.
Throughout the show, there are many quick set changes where different set pieces rotate to flip the scene from the outside to the inside of a building, and vice versa. Watching these transitions, I particularly admired how actors were used as stagehands to move props, and the stagehands who waited behind set pieces in order to move them offstage. This strategy worked extremely well; it made the whole experience feel more immersive and kept the play on pace.
The costume design of the show was also incredible. While the majority of the cast remains in the typical missionary outfit throughout the show, the character’s costumes subtly change as they grow disheveled, dirty, or enter a dance number. Specifically, I was drawn to the subtle changes that occur during the songs “Turn it Off” and “Man Up,” which feature sparkly vests and biker vest inspired button-ups, respectively. The skill of the costume team was noticeable throughout the play, and all the costumes felt realistic, well fitting, and looked great on stage.
Apart from the incredible costume and set work, the sound and lighting design at the theatre helped bring the audience into the show. I particularly enjoyed how the use of projections, spot lights, and mood lighting helped bring each scene to life. The skillful use of layered light also helped immerse the audience, as projections would occasionally expand from the stage and light up the theater.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my experience viewing “The Book of Mormon,” not only as an audience member, but also as a techie myself. While the show has since completed its run in San Francisco, I highly encourage everyone to see the show if they get the chance. Who knows? It may change your life.