Photo by Joan Marcus

Previews for the Broadway production began five years ago this week on 24 February 2011 and what a phenomenal five years it has been. It has gone on to entertain packed houses across the States with its National Tours (including a sit-down production in Chicago) and a West End incarnation, which picked up the 2014 Olivier Award for Best New Musical. And there are no signs of its world domination slowing down with an Australian opening confirmed for January 2017 in Melbourne. Back on Broadway the show is still enticing Standing Room Only audiences, so what is the secret to our Mormon friends' success?

I actually attended the second preview of 'The Book of Mormon' five years ago and the first thing I noticed before the show actually began was the diversity of the audience. A much younger crowd had gathered, which as we all know is not always typical on Broadway, and there was a distinct buzz in the air. I have no doubt that the creative team had much to do this. The combination of South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone with Broadway favourite Robert Lopez, who had already picked up a Tony Award for Best Original Score in 2004 for Avenue Q, generated so much hype that it was impossible not to take an interest. As the lights dimmed and the buzz evolved into an excited hush, we were all already on the side of the actors, willing the show to meet all our expectations. Even a technical hitch a few minutes in and the consequent restart did nothing to heighten our scepticism; indeed it was met with cheers and applause from the young crowd.

What came next was a slick production that was able to do something that has sadly become more of a rarity on Broadway nowadays and that was to make true stars from its leading actors. Josh Gad and Andrew Rannells, who originated the roles of Elder Cunningham and Elder Price, respectively, have gone on to enjoy sparkling careers off the back of this show.

In my eyes the show itself is a true sign of our times. It has tapped into the psyche of Generation X and redefined the musical comedy. It has pushed the envelope in terms of its political correctness (or lack thereof) in a medium that was appearing seriously dated when compared with certain television show contemporaries. Its attempts to insult universally as an equal opportunities offender, rather than have the niche group of the Mormons as the sole butt of the joke, make it all the more appreciated. Reportedly even the Mormons themselves have a particular fondness for the musical. I recall attending a performance in the West End and as I flicked through the programme, there was a blatant advertisement for the actual Book of Mormon with the slogan "You've seen the Show, now read the book." Well, you can't blame their opportunism.

"Tomorrow is a latter day" and, in fact, every day this week is now a latter day with our #ShowOfTheWeek The Book of Mormon.

Click here for tickets to The Book of Mormon, which is booking through to 23 October 2016 at Broadway's Eugene O'Neill Theatre.

- by Tom Millward