The Veterans Center had the opportunity to take it’s members to see the hit Broadway musical, The Book of Mormon.
DAVID BOLLERT P.H.D / COURTESY
Angelina Perez, Senior Writer
Accompanied by Brian Chalk, Ph.D., and David Bolert, Ph.D., director of the Veterans Center, student veterans had the opportunity earlier this month to attend the popular satirical Broadway musical, “The Book of Mormon”.
The Book of Mormon has been described by Entertainment Weekly as “hilarious” and “unafraid of pretty much anything,” and hailed by Time Out as “the biggest, boldest, and funniest musical.” The show, created by the minds behind South Park and Avenue Q, follows two young Mormon missionaries on a journey to Uganda as they attempt to convert a local village, blending outrageous humor with unexpected heart.
Melvyn Greene, a student veteran on campus, describes the powerful sense of camaraderie that came from attending the show with fellow veterans as a night filled with community alongside laughter.
“This Broadway show was a nice gathering with my fellow veterans and was an enjoyable outing,” Greene wrote to The Quadrangle. “Each of us comes from a different background and has a unique story, yet here we were, side by side, immersed in the theater. Sharing laughter with my comrades made the experience even more meaningful.”
Greene recalls the changing of the set as a powerful way for audience members to witness how storytelling is shaped not only by dialogue, but by perspective and design.
“One moment for me was during the scene changes, where the perspective shifted dramatically,” Green wrote. “It was powerful because of how different viewpoints can shape our understanding of a story. There is a beauty of collaboration here and the importance of empathy in both art and life.”
After the performance, the group was invited backstage and even had the chance to meet some of the performers, which is an opportunity rarely offered to audience members.
“Going backstage was like seeing the unseen behind the curtain on a world that usually remains hidden,” Greene wrote. “Witnessing the inner workings and the creativity that support production felt like uncovering the forces that bring a show to life, much like the teamwork and dedication we relied on in the military. It was a reminder of how every role, no matter how small, contributes to a greater mission.”
Senior data analytics major Christian Bernal was surprised by how enjoyable the performance was, especially considering how different it felt from his initial expectations of a show centered around religion. Bernal, who recently welcomed twins, was able to bring his wife as his plus-one, making the evening not only a night of entertainment, but also a rare opportunity to spend time together outside of their busy routines as new parents.
“As a veteran, this school has done a tremendous job making us feel seen, valued and part of a real community,” Bernal told The Quadrangle. “I went to a CUNY before [Manhattan University], and while they had a veteran center, it never felt the way it does here. Attending performances like this fosters a sense of belonging. It demonstrates that the school genuinely cares about us, which can go a long way, especially for veterans who may be navigating emotional or social challenges.”
Looking ahead, Bernal shared that if the Veterans Center ever has the chance to return to Broadway, shows like The Notebook and Aladdin would be at the top of his list as meaningful options for future outings.
“The MU Veteran Center programs stand out because they have a sense of community and belonging,” Green wrote. “It’s a space where we can express ourselves freely and reflect on our past while looking forward to the future. Real Recognize Real!” Green wrote. “We recognize that each of us plays a vital role in building a supportive environment for one another. It’s not just about us, it’s about using these places to create a legacy of camaraderie and growth that benefits all veterans.”