The Book of Mormon has a book, music and lyrics by South Park creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker, and the mind behind the hit musical Avenue Q, Robert Lopez. Development of the show began in 2003 when Parker and Stone were noticed by Lopez in the audience of a performance of Avenue Q. They went for drinks and quickly conceived the idea of writing a musical based around Joseph Smith, the founder of the Church of Latter Day Saints.
The show follows the journey of two Mormon missionaries who travel to Africa to preach their religion. They share their scriptures with a small village in Uganda, but find it difficult to interest the locals who have much bigger things to worry about: AIDS, famine, and local warlords. It features hilarious songs like “Hello”, “All American Prophet”, “I Believe” and “I Am Africa”.
Choreography for The Book of Mormon musical is by Casey Nicholaw, who co-directs the show with Parker. Nicholaw is renowned in musical theatre and his work is currently also on display in the West End production of Aladdin. He is known for his high energy production numbers and unique skill at staging musical comedy.