The Book of Mormon el Musical has arrived at Spanish Broadway‘s Teatro Rialto after first opening in Madrid in 2024 at Teatro Calderón. An evening of spectacular entertainment left me feeling exhilarated, contemplative, and singing “¿Qué tal?” every day since.
Review of The Book of Mormon el Musical
The architecture of Teatro Rialto, originally built for use as a cinema in the 1930s, makes for an unconventional orchestra arrangement in The Book of Mormon. The musicians are distributed across different levels of the theater and split between stage right and left, creating an interesting spatial sound experience.
This evening’s show was solidly anchored by two standout performances.
Jesús González as Elder Cunningham absolutely steals the show, and I had no idea until I looked at The Book of Mormon, el Musical website that he is actually the cover. The cover!
González has a comedic timing and physical energy reminiscent of Saturday Night Live’s Bobby Moynihan and absolutely commands every scene he is in.
His portrayal of the awkward, well-meaning compulsive liar provides the production’s comedic heart and consistently earns my biggest laughs of the evening.
Aisha Fay’s expression and voice are another highlight, her Nabulungi bringing emotional depth which grounds the show’s more serious moments, particularly in songs such as “Sal Tlay Ka Seli.”
The dancing throughout the production is one of its greatest strengths.
Iker Karrera’s choreography spans an impressive range of styles from coordinated 1950s doo-wop moves to African-inspired dance, from tap to rock and roll. The contagious, never-waning energy of the performers showcase their dance versatility as well as their ability to sustain a momentum that delights the audience throughout the entire show.
The presentation often feels absurd and episodic – not unlike watching sketches on a variety show – leaving me feeling genuinely conflicted.
Given that South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone are behind The Book of Mormon, this comes as no surprise.
The individual numbers are often pushed to their most ridiculous extremes, functioning almost as self-contained comedy pieces that happen to be tied together by an overarching narrative.
Despite my appreciation for rapid-fire comedy, this approach leaves me feeling a bit uneasy. The juxtaposition of this style of humor and the very real backdrop of conditions in Uganda – crime, violence, AIDS, poverty, and murder – is, at the same time, the show’s most provocative element and its most problematic aspect.
Yes, the show is entertaining and frequently hilarious while critiquing missionary colonialism; but it also uses suffering as a subject for satire.
Be prepared for a complex emotional experience.
During The Book of Mormon el Musical, I was impressed by the talent, I laughed out loud, and I found myself singing and moving along to the soundtrack even after the curtain fell. But I also left the theatre chatting non-stop with my companion about some of the discomfort I felt.
Perhaps this is exactly what Parker and Stone intended, but this doesn’t make it any easier to digest.
Seeing The Book of Mormon el Musical? Book a hotel near Teatro Rialto in Madrid.
Final Thoughts
The Book of Mormon Musical in Madrid (October 31, 2025)
For those seeking a musical theater spectacle with remarkable dancing, sharp satirical edges, and relentless energy, The Book of Mormon el Musical is for you. In fact, the choreography alone is worth the price of admission. However, be aware that this show is decidedly not for minors - the themes, vocabulary, and content are explicitly for mature audiences.
Factors I've Taken Into Consideration for this Review
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Singing
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Dialogue
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Acting
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Dancing
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Production (Set, Costume & Lighting Design)