Rory O'Malley Leaves BOM on Jan. 27th

[PastorErnst]

Per his Facebook:

"Two years ago today, January 10, 2011, was the first day of rehearsal for THE BOOK OF MORMON on Broadway. Along with the previous three we spent developing the show, they have been the most wonderful and rewarding years of my career. As a kid I dreamt of nothing more than originating a role on Broadway, but getting to do that with Elder McKinley has fulfilled that dream tenfold. Now it's time to pass the torch, or I guess... sparkly pink vest! My last show will be January 27th. I'll miss it terribly, but I know the BOM family has grown so big that I'll never be far from it! Thank you to all my family, friends, the greatest cast and crew ever assembled, and to BOM's amazing fans. You are all truly... something incredible. NEVER TURN IT OFF!"

[LizzieCurry]

Series of tweets too: https://twitter.com/RoryOMalley/status/289410683051843584

Wow!

[bwaydreamer]

Oh NO! He was out the last time I saw it. I need to see him again!!!

[ContinentalNettle]

What an incredible performer and an inspiring man to boot. I'm sure this will be disappointing for many people but I'm excited to see what's in store next.

First everyone's wondering who'll replace as McKinley? I wonder if they'll think about bringing Grey Henson over, even though this would mean another actor taken out the tour. Or maybe someone entirely new. They must have already made a decision because they will be starting in less than a month.

His contract was for two years so around February/March. It's not too much earlier but I wonder if it's because he's moving swiftly on to another project. I'm excited to find out where he's going!

[JohnyBroadway]

I wouldn't be surprised if they sent Grey into the Broadway Company. He is quite the event in the role on tour!

[Wynbish]

Aww, I love Grey! He's from my hometown and was doing community theatre since he was a little dancing kid.

[Elder Katt]

My friend works there and said a guy named Matt Loehr is taking over for Rory. I googled him and it seems he's from the OBC of shows like Producers and the Promises Promises revival.

[KylePKJP]

Please put Brian Sears in the role.

[Emmaloucbway]

I second KylePJP's statement. I saw Brian go on for Rory and he was fantastic. Would love to see him replace Rory full-time.

[shrekster224]

Saw Brian as well and he was hilarious and fantastic. Definitely deserves the promotion, but it would be cool to see them transfer Grey to Broadway. Guess neither will happen, though, if Matt Loehr is lined up.

[TheatreDiva90016]

Brian is brilliant. I've worked with him in CT, and he is one of the nicest, most honest people I've ever met.

He deserves it!

[ACL2006]

I wonder if Nikki James is set to leave soon as well?? any other original cast members set to leave soon??

[hairspraydude1962]

Via his Facebook page, Lewis Cleale said that he will be leaving the company in seven months.

[LizzieCurry]

Here's the direct link: https://www.facebook.com/lewiscleale/posts/10151258803009635
He's going to be in The Honeymooners!

Also, count me in as a HUGE fan of Brian Sears' McKinley!

[hairspraydude1962]

https://twitter.com/FashionistaMJS/status/292734502759972864

It looks like Justin Bohon is set to leave within the next week. He will be the first Mormon ensemble member to depart the cast.

[ACL2006]

anyone know who's replacing O'Malley & Bohon?? Any original cast members will be coming up on 2 years in the show. I would imagine more are set to leave shortly.

[LizzieCurry]

Matthew Marks has been on for Bohon all this week. I imagine the new Elder Zelder and new McKinley will have the same first performance.

[nabajamba]

Christian Delcroix replaced Justin Bohon tonight. I saw the new McKinley in the audience tonight, name is Matt Loehr.

[beensince1987]

Anyone at his last show tonight?

I tried lottery and of course I didn't win.

I saw him at the stage door tho. he had flowers when I got there. All 6 times I've seen the show, he was always in so he is the only McKinley I know.

[LizzieCurry]

I was there. The applause for "Turn It Off" was tremendous. The other elders actually broke the pose and BOWED to Rory, some of them actually kneeling on the floor. It was great!

Hitler, McKinley and one of the devils did a kickline upstage (just under Satan) during Hell Dream.

Also got applause for his pink suitcase entrance at the end. :) After curtain, Nikki M. James did a short speech (I honestly wasn't expecting it, because Andrew Rannells and Josh Gad didn't get one) and I couldn't see who, but a cast member presented Rory with a pink Hello Kitty suitcase as a goodbye gift. I saw it outside the theatre later and it looked like a bunch of people had signed it with well wishes.