Rannells, Gad, James, O'Malley Extend BOOK OF MORMON Contracts Through February 2013

THE BOOK OF MORMON's original principal cast, Josh Gad, Andrew Rannells, Nikki M. James, Rory O'Malley, Michael Potts, along with Lewis Cleale and Brian Tyree Henry, have extended their contracts with the Tony Award-winning musical through February 2013. THE BOOK OF MORMON will celebrate its first year on Broadway on February 24, 2012.

THE BOOK OF MORMON, winner of nine Tony Awards including Best Musical, features book, music and lyrics by Trey Parker, Robert Lopez and Matt Stone. The production is choreographed by Casey Nicholaw and is directed by Nicholaw and Parker.

The actors commented: "It's unfortunate for my knees, but I feel like it is unfair to let my costars continue having all the fun without me. I could not be more thrilled to continue to play Elder Cunningham," said Josh Gad.

"The producers said they would release the location of where they are holding my family if I resigned," said Andrew Rannells. "I love my family and want to see them returned safely. So here I am."

"This past year was incredible. It was nothing I could have imagined in my wildest of dreams," said Tony Award winner Nikki M. James. "I am thrilled to be able to continue to hear audiences laugh their asses off for another year. Plus, I'm madly in love with my co-stars and cast mates. It's truly unhealthy."

"Getting to play the fabulous Elder McKinley in this phenomenon of a show has been beyond my wildest dreams," said Rory O'Malley. "I'm elated to continue working with the most brilliant cast I've ever been a part of and to receive the electric energy of our audiences each and every night. Also, my mother says I have to stay in the show until our entire family has seen it. I have a lot of Irish cousins still trying to get tickets. It may take a while."

"The Angel Moroni came to me in a vision," said Michael Potts. "He said I must continue singing 'Hasa Diga Eebowai' for another year. I believe his exact words were, 'It's sort of what God is going for…' Seriously, it happened!"

THE BOOK OF MORMON is the winner of nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Score (Trey Parker, Robert Lopez, Matt Stone), Best Book (Trey Parker, Robert Lopez, Matt Stone), Best Direction (Casey Nicholaw, Trey Parker), Best Featured Actress (Nikki M. James), Best Scenic Design (Scott Pask), Best Lighting Design (Brian MacDevitt), Best Sound Design (Brian Ronan) and Best Orchestrations (Larry Hochman, Stephen Oremus); the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical; five Drama Desk Awards including Best Musical, Best Music (Trey Parker, Robert Lopez, Matt Stone), Best Lyrics (Trey Parker, Robert Lopez, Matt Stone), Best Director (Casey Nicholaw, Trey Parker) and Best Orchestrations (Larry Hochman, Stephen Oremus); four Outer Critics Circle Awards, including Best Musical, Best Score (Trey Parker, Robert Lopez, Matt Stone), Best Actor in a Musical (Josh Gad) and Best Director (Casey Nicholaw, Trey Parker) and the Drama League Award for Best Musical.

THE BOOK OF MORMON stars Josh Gad as Elder Cunningham, Andrew Rannells as Elder Price, Nikki M. James as Nabulungi, Rory O'Malley as Elder McKinley and Michael Potts as Mafala Hatimbi, with Lewis Cleale, Brian Tyree Henry, Scott Barnhardt, Justin Bohon, Graham Bowen, Darlesia Cearcy, Kevin Duda, Jared Gertner, Asmeret Ghebremichael, Tyson Jennette, Clark Johnsen, Valisia LeKae, Douglas Lyons, John Eric Parker, Nic Rouleau, Benjamin Schrader, Michael James Scott, Brian Sears, Jason Michael Snow, Nick Spangler, Lawrence Stallings, Rema Webb, Maia Nkenge Wilson and Tommar Wilson.

THE BOOK OF MORMON features set design by Scott Pask, costume design by Ann Roth, lighting design by Brian MacDevitt and sound design by Brian Ronan. Orchestrations are by Larry Hochman and Stephen Oremus. Music direction and vocal arrangements are by Stephen Oremus.

Tickets are available at Telecharge.com, by calling Telecharge.com at 212-239-6200 or in person at the Eugene O'Neill box office (230 West 49th Street).

Photo Credit: Walter McBride/WM Photos