The Book of Mormon gets 12 Drama Desk noms: South Park creators getting respectable?

Eighteen years ago this week, Westword published my interview with CU students Trey Parker and Matt Stone about their in-progress film Alferd Packer: The Musical. Did I predict in that piece that they'd someday create an acclaimed Broadway show? Sadly, no -- but the South Park creators managed to do...

By Michael Roberts

April 29, 2011

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Eighteen years ago this week, Westword published my interview with CU students Trey Parker and Matt Stone about their in-progress film Alferd Packer: The Musical. Did I predict in that piece that they'd someday create an acclaimed Broadway show? Sadly, no -- but the South Park creators managed to do so anyhow. Their play The Book of Mormon was just nominated for twelve Drama Desk awards.

As the Associated Press piece linked above notes, this recognition follows six Outer Critics Circle Award noms and a Fred & Adele Astaire Award nomination, which pertains to excellence in dance.

Can Tony awards be far behind? Probably not. But don't fear that Parker and Stone will go soft due to their newfound respectability. They continue to rep Colorado with a brand of brashness that does our fair state, and Alferd Packer, proud.

Below, check out a video of Parker and Stone talking about The Book of Mormon.

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

Contact: Michael Roberts

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