The Book of Mormon has been running strong for five years. It has crisscrossed the country on tour and demand for tickets is as strong as ever. How long can it ride this high is difficult to surmise. Its popularity is such that you just can't say, "Let's go see The Book of Mormon," on a whim one evening and expect to find tickets. They are usually sold out about 12 weeks in advance and South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone and Robert Lopez of Frozen fame look to have another cultural phenomenon on the hands.
According to the Sacbee, The Book of Mormon debuted on March 24 2011 and was immediately was an immediate success. The show tells the story of two young Mormons doing their prescribed service in Uganda. It follows their trials and tribulations through the sometimes grim settings and circumstances of Africa. The musical is described as poking relentless fun at Mormons and all religion. Its real target is the thoughtless conformity humans seem very prone too. People are often surprised to find a sweetness in the midst of the relentless crude humour.
The Book of Mormon was a big award winner from the start, winning nine Tony Awards. Among its Tonys, it won Best Musical, Best Score, Best Book and Best Direction. The grimness of the conditions in Africa that the two young men find is a perfect opportunity to showcase its irreverence and catchy tunes.
According to Wikipedia, The Book of Mormon is the sixth longest running show on Broadway trailing only; The Phantom of the Opera which has ran since 1988, Chicago, The Lion King has been on Broadway since 1997, Wicked premiered in 2003 and Jersey Boys.
When it debuted five years ago The Book of Mormon showed itself to be a truly original production that has been attracting audiences around the country and making a lot of money.
