Trey Parker and Matt Stone made a surprise appearance ahead of Thursday night’s free fan performance of The Book of Mormon at New York’s Eugene O’Neill Theatre, just a day ahead of the show’s Broadway re-opening.
The South Park creators were joined in a box suite by Robert Lopez, who co-wrote the show’s book, music and lyrics with the duo, as well as choreographer and co-director Casey Nicholaw. Walking out to a roaring crowd, the four thanked fans not only for coming but supporting Broadway’s return following an 18-month pandemic shut down.
“I want to thank you guys so much for coming out and to start supporting Broadway again, and getting Broadway back on its feet,” said Parker, who also co-directs the musical.Announced back on Oct. 18, the fan performance follows a tradition of free shows staged throughout The Book of Mormon‘s run in appreciation of its dedicated fanbase.
Thursday night’s return of the fan event was prompted in part by the New York theater industry’s ongoing reopening and comes 10 years after the show initially debuted on Broadway in 2011. The Book of Mormon officially re-opens to the public Friday, Nov. 5.
