Actor Lamont J. Whitaker says he is “beyond excited” to be a part of The Book of Mormon. The hilariously irreverent musical follows a group of missionaries sent to Uganda to spread the Good Word. Whitaker, a Florida native, is touring in the role of Mafala Hatimbi, the Ugandan village chief.
Created by South Park masterminds Trey Parker and Matt Stone, The Book of Mormon has won nine Tony Awards and continues to be a hit with audiences everywhere.
[Academy of Music, 240 S Broad St], October 1-6, 2024; ensembleartsphilly.org
Debra Danese: When did you first get involved in theater?
Lamont J. Whitaker: I’m from a very musical family. My mother was a singer, dancer, and actress, and is currently the lead singer in the Soul Dimensions Band in Augusta, GA. My father was a pianist and member of a Gospel Group in the ‘90s called The Messengers. My grandmother ran and owned theaters throughout Miami-Dade County.
From the moment I was born, music played a huge part in my life, so it was only natural that I followed in their footsteps.
DD: Your bio states that you’re “excited to be back with your big Mormon family.” What is your history with the show?
LJW: I remember several of my classmates in college performing material from the musical. At the time, I had no idea I would be lucky enough to be a part of this franchise. That journey started for me on August 22, 2022, at the edge of the pandemic.
Today marks our 549th show (September 20th) and my 3rd season with this unbelievable opportunity that I feel so blessed to have!
DD: I read that your family has direct ties to a Nigerian Tribe. Tell us about that!
LJW: In 2004, my Grandmother Sandrell Rivers was conferred with the title of African Chief The Gbesiewu of Badagry. The conferment was in recognition of her outstanding community leadership, service, and for her quest to reconnect African Americans and the African Diaspora with the Motherland. It’s just a full circle moment for me. If she was alive today, I’d know she’d be proud!
DD: Three words that best describe your character.
LJW: Bold, caring and fashionable.
The Book of Mormon plays at the Academy of Music, on the Kimmel Cultural Campus [240 S Broad St], October 1-6, 2024, as part of a national tour.