Gavin Creel, Jared Gertner Spread the Word of ‘Book of Mormon’ on West End

There’s lots of casting news today for productions of “The Book of Mormon” around the world, including that the two leads currently starring in the Los Angeles production will move to the West End production when it opens next year.

Gavin Creel and Jared Gertner currently portray the lead missionaries Elder Price and Elder Cunningham in the Los Angeles production, and they will perform the same roles in London’s West End production when it premieres February 25, 2013. Sonia Friedman, co-producer of the London version told the Daily Mail that she felt it was necessary to have Americans play the two parts.

“It became clear early on during the audition process in London that we needed the real thing,” she said, adding that Elder Price is “that sort of square-jawed Mormon and you can’t create that all-American Look.”

The L.A. version of the musical currently is playing at the Pantages Theatre and is scheduled to run until November 25.

Speaking of actors portraying Elder Price, Matt Doyle will take over the role on Broadway, replacing actor Nic Rouleau. Doyle is known from his work in “War Horse” and “Spring Awakening.” His exact start date is set to be announced soon.

Rouleau is leaving the New York version to fulfill the same role in the new Chicago version of “The Book of Mormon” that will open next month. Elder Cunningham will be played by Ben Platt in that production.

The Chicago engagement will begin preview performances on December 11 at the Bank of America Theatre, and no end date has yet been set for the engagement. Tickets are currently on sale through June 2, 2013, however.

Platt is perhaps best know for his role in the movie “Pitch Perfect.” Also appearing in the Chicago version are James Vincent Meredith, Jackson Evans and Stephanie Umoh.