EVERYTHING’S COMING
UP MORMONS

A campy musical mashup
finds laughs, heart, and the
perfect home at Prism Theatre

Palm Springs’ Prism Theatre is christening its permanent home with a production of The Book of Merman, and audiences are eating it up. This gleefully irreverent musical comedy spoofs The Book of Mormon while celebrating the larger-than-life legacy of Broadway legend Ethel Merman, and under the direction of Lance Phillips, it mines every possible laugh from its outrageous premise.

When the show begins, the first thing we see are a pair of fresh-faced Mormon boys, Elder Braithwaite (Ryan Avoux) and Elder Shumway (Jared Ryan Kaitz). They are standing in a corner surrounded by audience members at the front of the intimate theatre, singing a song called “Good Day.” Wait a minute—two Mormon boys singing a song about a greeting? Doesn’t that ring a (ding dong) bell? To add to the familiarity, the two actors bear a striking resemblance to Andrew Rannells and Josh Gad, the original stars of Broadway’s The Book of Mormon. It’s obvious from the git-go that Mr. Phillips isn’t going to let a single laugh go unmined.

The boys eventually find a door in the side wall of the theatre with the letters “E M” above it. When an over-the-top redheaded lady opens the door, it is clear they have arrived at the home of Ethel Merman (Mallory Kerwin). Elder Shumway is star-struck. Not only does he worship Merman—he’s pretty obviously one of “those kind of boys”—but he’s even carrying her biography in his backpack. She welcomes them into her home, allowing the three of them to finally move onto the actual stage.

The next 90 minutes, plus intermission, glide by on sparkling dialogue, enjoyable songs delivered by three Broadway-worthy voices, and plenty of laughs. In the cozy 60-seat showroom, the actors frequently break the fourth wall, acknowledging audience reactions with lines like, “Oh, I see you got that one.” There is particularly enthusiastic interaction when the boys mention Merman’s truly ghastly disco album. Judging by the crowd’s reaction, many audience members were in on the joke.

All three performers display impressive talent and experience, but Kerwin’s Merman carries the show. She exudes so much energy you’d swear she was plugged into a hidden power source. Quick with ad-libs and armed with a terrific voice, she somehow manages to change into six different costumes while spending only moments offstage.

While the first act largely concerns the two missionaries’ surprise at finding themselves in Merman’s living room and Merman’s delight at having visitors, the second act introduces several revelations and developments that deepen the relationships among the characters and ultimately deliver an unexpectedly touching conclusion.

The music and lyrics are by Leo Schwartz, with a book by Schwartz and D.C. Cathro. Costumes and props by Susanna Reyes make the most of the contrast between conservative Mormon attire and Merman’s flamboyant wardrobe. Nick Wass provides lighting, while Tanner Lieser and Adam McQueen handle sound. Stage management is by Maddox Phillips-Martinez. Special recognition also goes to House Manager Raul Valenzuela, whose warm welcome helps create the inviting atmosphere that Prism Theatre is clearly striving to establish.

Palm Springs boasts one of the nation’s largest queer populations, and while the city offers no shortage of drag entertainment, there remains a strong appetite for other forms of queer-themed performance. Prism Theatre appears to have found a promising niche between a traditional theatre and a nightclub experience. Comfortable cocktail-table seating, a full-service bar, and a welcoming lobby create a lounge-like atmosphere that perfectly suits this style of entertainment. Judging from the enthusiastic audience response, it’s a niche that was waiting to be filled.

For Prism Theatre’s first production in its permanent home, The Book of Merman proves an ideal choice: funny, affectionate, professionally executed, and perfectly attuned to its audience.

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photos courtesy of Prism Theatre

The Book of Merman
Prism Theatre
391 N. Indian Canyon Drive in Palm Springs
90 minutes, plus intermission
Sat at 3 & 8; Sun at 3 (check for exceptions)
ends on July 26, 2026
for tickets ($54.95), call 760.208.2100 or visit Prism Theatre

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