Smash hit musical and worldwide phenomenon The Book of Mormon will finally arrive at His Majesty’s in Aberdeen this week.
Following its 2011 Broadway premiere, audiences continue to spread the word about The Book of Mormon.
Here’s everything you need to know about the show which has grossed around £400 million, making it one of the most successful musicals of all time.
What is The Book of Mormon about?
The Book of Mormon follows two young missionaries – Kevin Price and Arnold Cunningham – who are sent to Uganda to try to convert citizens to the Mormon religion. While Elder Price is an enthusiastic go-getter with a strong dedication to his faith, Elder Cunningham is described as “socially awkward but well meaning”.
The missionaries find the task rather difficult as the villagers have to deal with more pressing issues such as AIDS, poverty and violence. You’ll need to see the show to find out if their mission proves successful.
Who created the show?
The Book of Mormon musical was created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone – who are also behind the animated sitcom South Park – and American songwriter Robert Lopez who co-wrote Frozen’s Let It Go with his wife Kristen Anderson-Lopez. He is one of only 16 people in the world who have won an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar and a Tony Award.
What inspired The Book of Mormon?
The Book of Mormon isn’t the first time South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone referenced Mormonism in their work. “All About the Mormons” – the 12th episode of the seventh season of the TV show – also revolves around the religion and culture of Mormons.
The 2003 episode received very positive reviews and is among many fans’ ultimate favourite episodes from the sitcom which has aired 25 seasons to date.
Parker and Stone carried over many themes from the episode for their musical The Book of Mormon which premiered eight years later.
When and where did the show premiere?
The Book of Mormon opened on March 24 2011 at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre in New York City after nearly seven years of development.
The satirical and musical examination of the beliefs and practices of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints premiered in the West End in 2013. The UK and Ireland tour kicked off in 2019 but most dates were postponed to 2022 due to Covid-19.
When is The Book Of Mormon coming to Aberdeen?
After being postponed multiple times, The Book Of Mormon will finally arrive at His Majesty’s Theatre on Tuesday May 17. The 23-performance run will conclude on Saturday June 4.
Who plays the lead characters?
The 2022 tour cast of The Book of Mormon musical is led by Robert Colvin as Elder Price, Conner Peirson as Elder Cunningham and Aviva Tulley as Nabulungi.
Which awards did the show win?
The Book of Mormon received 14 nominations at The Tony Awards in 2011, and won nine, including Best Musical and Best Original Score. The show also won the 2012 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theatre Album. The London production won the 2014 Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Musical.
What are some of the show’s most notable numbers?
The original Broadway cast recording became the highest-charting Broadway cast album in over four decades, reaching number three on the Billboard charts. Some of the most notable musical numbers are Hello, I Believe, and You and Me (But Mostly Me).
How did The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints respond to the show?
The church released an official response to inquiries regarding the musical, stating: “The production may attempt to entertain audiences for an evening, but the Book Of Mormon as a volume of scripture will change people’s lives forever by bringing them closer to Christ.”
The Church later advertised in the playbills to encourage attendees to learn more about the Book Of Mormon, with phrases like “you’ve seen the play, now read the book” and “the book is always better”.
Are tickets still available for The Book Of Mormon in Aberdeen?
Yes, The Book Of Mormon is in Aberdeen from Tuesday May 17 to Saturday June 4. Click here if you wish to book tickets.