Gavin Creel on Seeking Book of Mormon Advice From Pal Andrew Rannells and Promising to 'Put Out' on Tour

Gavin Creel is readying to don a white shirt and black tie as Elder Price in the upcoming national tour of The Book of Mormon, but the two-time Tony nominee almost turned down the offer to play the bright-eyed young missionary. Broadway.com recently caught up with Creel to discuss his initial hesitations, and find out how he's prepping to bring Broadway's raunchy blockbuster to the rest of the country.

“I am very excited I got a job,” gushed Creel, a Tony nominee for Hair and Thoroughly Modern Millie. “One of my best friends in the world, Andrew Rannells, originated the role on Broadway and when I first heard about the tour audition I was like, ‘No!' I was intimidated because he is such a genius.”

Eventually, Creel decided that the chance to put his stamp on the Tony-winning musical was too good to pass up. "It’s a great part, an unbelievable show, an amazing opportunity,” the actor said, “and Andrew will be giving me a cheat sheet!”

Creel is even giving audiences an extra incentive to see him once the The Book of Mormon tour launches this summer in Denver. “Fans should follow me across the country and stalk me because I will put out,” Creel said with a laugh. “I will make out with every single one of them!”

The winner of nine Tony Awards, The Book of Mormon follows two mismatched Mormon missionaries as they set out to spread their religion in Uganda. The tour begins its Denver run on August 14 at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, and is scheduled to stop in 15 cities, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, Seattle, Detroit and Boston. Featuring a score and book by Trey Parker, Matt Stone and Robert Lopez, The Book of Mormon continues its sold-out run at Broadway's Eugene O'Neill Theatre.