Who Wrote the Book of Mormon Play
The Book of Mormon: Another Gospel Musical is a stage musical with music, lyrics, and book by Trey Parker, Robert Lopez, and Matt Stone; its source material is the Book of Mormon scripture published in 1830, attributed by the Latter Day Saint movement to Joseph Smith as translator and author. This article explains who wrote the musical, how it relates to the original text, and what is known about credits, permissions, and creative development. It is intended as a factual, evergreen summary for researchers, journalists, and audiences seeking clarity on authorship.
Scriptural Authorship: Joseph Smith and the Translation Claim
The Book of Mormon scripture is presented by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a translation of an ancient record delivered to Joseph Smith through divine means. Within the movement, Smith is regarded as the prophet and translator rather than a sole literary author, while broader historical scholarship treats the text as a 19th-century work attributed to Smith. The musical adaptation references this text but does not reauthor its foundational narrative; the original scripture authorship claims remain central to context and licensing.
Key Attribution Facts for the Scriptural Text
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Title of Scripture | The Book of Mormon: Another Gospel Musical (stage version) | Official production materials |
| Scriptural Author (movement view) | Joseph Smith as prophet and translator | LDS Church teachings |
| Publication Date of Scripture | 1830 | Historical publication records |
| Developers of Musical | Trey Parker, Robert Lopez, Matt Stone | Playbill, Broadway licensing |
| Premiere (musical) | December 2010, off-Broadway | Theatre archives |
Who Wrote The Book of Mormon Musical
The stage musical The Book of Mormon was created by the team behind South Park. Trey Parker and Matt Stone developed the concept, with music and lyrics co-written by Robert Lopez, who achieved EGOT status through this project. The book and lyrics credit follow standard theatrical billing, and the production is published through a collaboration involving Comedy Partners and Broadway licensing entities. The creative team obtained necessary rights to reference the scriptural text and its branding within the satire.
Breakdown of Creative Roles
- Book, Music, and Lyrics: Trey Parker, Robert Lopez, and Matt Stone
- Original Direction: Casey Nicholaw (2011 Broadway production)
- Licensing and Rights: Administered through authorized rights holders; specifics of permissions are not publicly detailed but follow standard theatrical practice for parody and satire.
Origins and Development of The Musical
Conceived in the early 2000s, the musical entered workshops before its 2011 Broadway debut. Its creators used the scriptural text as a starting point for satire rather than devotion, emphasizing narrative contrast between faith and vulgarity. No direct correspondence or statements have been published that alter the general attribution, and the production has remained consistent in its credits since opening.
Notable Production Facts
- Off-Broadway premiere in 2010, Broadway transfer in 2011
- Tours and international productions replicate the original creative team
- Scriptural references are integral to the plot but do not imply joint authorship
Permissions and Legal Dimensions
The musical is a distinct work that references a religious text protected by copyright on aspects of arrangement and presentation, though core scriptural text may reside in public domain depending on jurisdiction. The production holds necessary rights for dramatization and satire. Its creators are credited individually, yet the show does not claim to reinterpret the theology beyond parody.
Summary
The Book of Mormon: Another Gospel Musical was written by Trey Parker, Robert Lopez, and Matt Stone. The work derives its narrative and thematic elements from the 19th-century scripture published as the Book of Mormon, which Latter Day Saint tradition attributes to Joseph Smith as translator. The musical’s credits remain stable, and its relationship to the source text is one of parody rather than collaborative authorship. This explanation balances scriptural context with theatrical facts to clarify who wrote the play and how it connects to the original text.