Brought to you by the South Park team Trey Parker and Matt Stone along with Robert Lopez, of Avenue Q, The Book of Mormon as a musical has entertained packed houses since opening in 2011.
The story of missionaries in Uganda attempting to convert natives has had people rolling in the aisles with off color humor for years now. The show was the hottest ticket in town during its last run and is hoping for the same kind of hilarious religious experience this time out.
Cody Jamison Strand now plays Elder Cunningham after filling Josh Gad's shoes on Broadway. We called the funny guy while in the middle of the tour.
Windy City Times: Hi, Cody. I heard you are originally from South Dakota.
Cody Jamison Strand: I was born and raised there.
WCT: With a conservative background, how did you wind up in a show such as Book of Mormon?
Cody Jamison Strand: My father is a pastor of a church and my mom didn't want me to even tell him I was auditioning for the role. After I got the part, we had to tell him. He has seen it about 12 times and really likes it now.
WCT: What do you tell audience members [who] are worried the show is offensive?
Cody Jamison Strand: They just have to sit through it until the end. By the end it has a very positive, faith-oriented message. In a nutshell, the show explains that it doesn't matter what a person believes in, just to believe in something.
It does take a little bit of time getting there; I promise that nothing is dramaturgically gratuitous.
WCT: Have you seen Josh Gad or Ben Platt play your part?
Cody Jamison Strand: I have seen Josh do the part on Broadway, but Ben was on tour at the same time that I was playing Elder Cunningham in New York.
WCT: How is it different performing in the show on Broadway, as compared to a touring show?
Cody Jamison Strand: Aesthetically, there is not a difference between the two shows. On Broadway you are living in an apartment and have a home. On the road it is just the cast members. On tour that is the only people you will know and get to see regularly every day.
WCT: Do you like all the traveling?
Cody Jamison Strand: I do. You get to see the world on someone else's dime so it is a great opportunity.
WCT: Are you heading to home of the Mormons, Salt Lake City, to do the show in July?
Cody Jamison Strand: No; that is the other tour. I wish I were. That is going to be the spot to see the show. I have no idea what the reaction will be there.
WCT: Are you going to your hometown South Dakota on tour?
Cody Jamison Strand: No-—I don't think it will get to South Dakota for quite some time.
WCT: Tell our readers about the flamboyant character in the show. I can't remember if it's stated that he's gay.
Cody Jamison Strand: Oh, he's pretty gay! There is a pretty powerful statement on the show about homosexuality and religion—the duality therein. I think it has an important message to say about all of that.
WCT: Can you ad lib the lines sometimes on Book of Mormon?
Cody Jamison Strand: That never happens much, but it is live theater. Anything can happen and it often does.
WCT: Do you have a favorite part of the show that you love doing?
Cody Jamison Strand: My favorite song to sing is "Baptize Me." It is act two about halfway through the act.
WCT: It must be rewarding to be in such a successful show.
Cody Jamison Strand: It is a gift in of itself. It is an incredible experience to be a part of something people respond well to. It's a lot of fun!
The Book of Mormon preaches again these days in the Windy City now through May 17 at the Bank of America Theatre, 18 W. Monroe St. Visit broadwayinchicago.com or call 800-775-2000.
