Robert Lopez on Switching from BOOK OF MORMON to WINNIE THE POOH

The new Disney animated feature WINNIE THE POOH was just released in theaters nationwide last week, and composer for the film and BOOK OF MORMON creator Robert Lopez recently chatted with Time Magazine about both projects. When asked about the difficulty of switching from writing for MORMON to POOH, Lopez responded: "Pretty easy. I'm the type of guy who likes to kind of pad about and look for things to eat. I actually play the part of Pooh's tummy. I'm the uvular trill that's his tummy growl."

On MORMON's most controversial song "Hasa Diga Eebowai" he added,  "People try not to think about what's going on in sub-Saharan Africa. They edit it out of their daily lives. Especially Americans. We prefer a fantasy version of Africa. What would Mormon missionaries' expectations be of going to Uganda? Their only reference for it would be The Lion King."

To read the full interview, click here.

THE BOOK OF MORMON features book, music and lyrics by Trey Parker, Robert Lopez and Matt Stone. The world premiere musical is choreographed by three-time Tony Award-nominee Casey Nicholaw and is directed by Nicholaw and Parker.

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

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