It’s been well chronicled–and hyped–that next season’s Best of Broadway line-up at the Straz Center begins with “The Book of Mormon,” the 2011 Tony Award-winner that is still packing them in–on Broadway and on the road.
However, the hit musical, from the creators of the crudely irreverent “South Park,” is arguably not for everyone. And the folks at the Straz don’t want to take any chances.
A letter went out recently to its season ticket holders giving them a heads up on “The Book of Mormon.” Management doesn’t want anyone blindsided by blasphemy or graphic vulgarity. The letter, the collaborative effort of Judy Lisi, the president and CEO, and Georgiana Young, the center’s programming and marketing officer, assures subscribers that the musical is “much more than those off-color moments.” Moreover, “a show doesn’t win nine Tony Awards on shock value alone!”
The mailing also includes suggestions to view the Straz web page and check out iTunes for “Mormon” excerpts plus numerous review outtakes including this notably expansive one from Vogue magazine. “‘The Book of Mormon’ is a faith-based extravaganza of jaw-dropping obscenity, hair-raising blasphemy, irresistible good cheer, and–surprise!–the sweetest thing you’ll see on Broadway this year and quite possibly the funniest musical of all time.”
“We want people to be informed,” explains Paul Bilyeu, the Straz’s director of public relations. “That’s the reasoning. The worst that could happen is people showing up and really not knowing anything about what they’re getting into.” And, yes, exchanges or refunds are available in advance.
Only once before in Bilyeu’s nearly eight years at the Straz has the center sent out such a subscriber disclaimer. That was a couple of years ago with the rock musical “Spring Awakening.”
But, no, the Straz is not expecting mass requests for exchanges or refunds. “I think it will play great here,” says Bilyeu. “I think Tampa audiences have the sensibilities for this.”