Book of Mormon

TED Talk Tuesday #136: The power of musicals

Watching TED Talks is a popular pastime at CN&CO. We visit TED.com regularly to clear our heads, have a laugh or get inspired. TED Talks open our minds, spark new ways of thinking and can lead to some very interesting conversations. Each week we pick a favourite and publish it on a Tuesday, because we like how “TED Talk Tuesday” sounds. This week’s was selected by Gianluca Tucci.

Ever since I was small, the world of movies, theatre and musicals have fascinated me.

The art of acting, singing and creating in front of an audience and camera, there’s something incredibly brilliant about it.

It’s my way of winding down after the day’s tasks and routine. Watching them inspire me and let my mind run with imagination and a dare to think or push my limits.

I admire all those artists and people who have ventured into this arena, taking their audiences into different realms. Look at the Ndlovu Youth Choir, who mesmerised not only South Africa but the world with their talents and voices at the recent AGT finals.

I was recently in New York City. A city filled with adventure, sky scrapers, people and the home of theatre in Broadway.

My girlfriend Keshia and I booked our first Broadway and went to see the musical dubbed as ‘God’s favourite musical’ in the shape of The Book of Mormon at the Eugene O’Neill theatre.

The show is a spectacle second to none (recommended by the passionate Rikus Kok) that has you laughing and smiling from beginning to end. A Tony award-winning masterpiece co-produced by Trey Parker (co-creator of South Park) – one of my favourite shows.

It’s about two missionaries who are sent from Salt Link City to preach in a remote village in Uganda.

What amazed us both, besides the authentic feel of the theatre and historical presence you feel around you as you enter, was the performance of the actors. Their passion and talent evoke a powerful ownership of their scenes and voices that resonate far past the show.

The message is delivered in a style that blends music, script and stage aesthetics perfectly. You appreciate the ability of hard work and dedication, and see the result play in front of your eyes with fellow audience members who are experiencing that moment with you.

It was a treat of a night, an experience I would like to repeat over and over. Broadway was one of the top highlights of our experience of New York. It left us talking about it for the days to come and repeating the phrases that had us laughing and smiling – particularly thanks to the incredibly-talented Cody Jameson Strand who plays Elder Arnold Cunningham!

The TED Talk below is by Broadway producer Mike Isaacson. Given our recent experience, I thought it appropriate to share. He touches on the power of musicals in bringing people together and inspiring us for many years.

Gianluca brings a touch of Italian flair to everything he does. His eye for detail, superior organisational skills and rare ability to nag relentlessly (in the nicest possible way) help to keep the team on track and on target. Say good things to him about Juventus and you’ll have a friend for life.

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