Grammys 2012: Backstage with ‘Book of Mormon’ winner Trey Parker
This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.
The first question for “The Book of Mormon” co-creator Trey Parker wasn’t how he felt to take home a Grammy for best musical theater album on Sunday. Instead, the “South Park” mastermind was quizzed on how Mormons have reacted to the show’s lightning success.
Parker and fellow “South Park” co-creator Matt Stone have seen their debut Broadway musical – a saucy look at missionaries in AIDS-plagued Africa – take the Great White Way by storm.
“We actually are very happy to find that Mormons like the show,” Parker said, laughing backstage during Sunday’s ceremonies. “For some, it’s like their ‘Fiddler on the Roof.’ We know when they are there because they laugh at some of the stuff others don’t.”
Parker was joined at the Grammys by Robert Lopez, who wrote the songs and the book for the musical with Parker and Stone; Stephen Oremus, the show’s musical director and vocal arranger and Anne Garefino, one of the show’s producers. Stone did not attend.
When asked about creating the book for the unapologetic and politically incorrect show, Parker quipped that despite being good with conjuring up “catchy little ditties,” he and Stone found the process overwhelming.
“Writing comedy songs is hard. As big fans of musicals, we wanted to do a show where the songs really matter,” Parker said. “Writing songs that are plot driven is really hard. It was such a complete collaboration. You’d start with this cute little song and it would become this [big number].”
“You need people in the room to write songs,” Lopez chimed in. “Because if you’re by yourself, [there’s] no one laughing.” RELATED:
PHOTOS: Grammy Awards red carpet
Grammys 2012: ‘Book of Mormon’ wins for musical theater
Book of Mormon’: First a Tony, now Grammy nod, next a movie?
Grammy Awards 2012: Gustavo Dudamel, L.A. Philharmonic win
-- Gerrick D. Kennedy