'The Book of Mormon' wins nine Tonys

c. 2011 Salt Lake Tribune

(RNS) The irreverent and hilarious "The Book of Mormon" musical
dominated the 65th annual Tony Awards on Sunday (June 12), winning the
award for Best Musical and becoming one of the most honored productions
in Broadway history.

Broadway neophytes Trey Parker and Matt Stone thanked their "South
Park" fans and the audiences who are packing the show. "You guys made
this show what it is," Parker said. "And therefore, you're going to have
to atone for it one day."

He went on to jokingly thank the "co-writer who passed away. Mr.
Joseph Smith, the founder of the Mormon religion. He couldn't be here
tonight, but -- you did it, Joseph! You got the Tony!"

The three-hour ceremony served as a buildup to the foregone
conclusion that the boisterous, profane and, yes, surprisingly sweet
production would win the big award.

"The Book of Mormon" won nine Tonys after receiving 14 nominations.

Only "The Producers" (12) and "South Pacific" (10) have taken home more
Tonys, officially known as the Antoinette Perry Awards for Excellence in
Theatre.

"The Book of Mormon" was written by "South Park" co-creators Parker
and Stone, who created "South Park," and Robert Lopez, co-creator of the
irreverent, Tony-winning musical "Avenue Q."

Nikki M. James, who won as Best Featured Actress in a Musical for
her role as Nabalungi, thanked Parker, Stone and Lopez "for writing the
most incredible show, the funniest and most beautiful, heartfelt musical
that's changing the face of American musical theater."