Show guide
The Book of Mormon
The Book of Mormon is an irreverent, hugely popular comedy musical that follows a pair of young missionaries sent far from home. Robert Lopez helped craft a score that pairs classic Broadway structure with boundary pushing humor.
- Broadway premiere
- 2011
- Music by
- Robert Lopez
- Genre
- Comedy
- Setting
- 2010s
The Book of Mormon: quick answers
What is The Book of Mormon about?
- The Book of Mormon follows two mismatched young Mormon missionaries, Elder Price and Elder Cunningham, who are sent to convert the residents of a remote village in northern Uganda struggling with HIV/AIDS, famine, and oppression by a local warlord.
When did The Book of Mormon open on Broadway?
- The Book of Mormon opened on Broadway on March 24, 2011, at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre and is still running there, with more than 5,000 performances. It won nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
What kind of musical is The Book of Mormon?
- It is an original, irreverent satirical musical comedy by Trey Parker, Robert Lopez, and Matt Stone, whose songs lampoon Broadway styles while both mocking and embracing the tradition of the inspirational book musical.
Where and when is The Book of Mormon set?
- The Book of Mormon begins at a Mormon Missionary Training Center and moves to a remote village in northern Uganda, in the present day.
Has The Book of Mormon played in London's West End?
- The Book of Mormon opened in the West End at the Prince of Wales Theatre on March 21, 2013, where it is still running, and won four 2014 Olivier Awards, including Best New Musical.
The story of The Book of Mormon
The musical follows two mismatched young missionaries as they are sent abroad to spread their faith, only to find their expectations upended by the realities of the community they encounter. Their mismatched personalities and clashing approaches to their mission drive much of the show's comic energy.
Alongside its satire, the show is ultimately concerned with questions of faith, friendship, and finding meaning even when things do not go according to plan. It uses outrageous comedy to sneak in a surprisingly sincere message about connection and belief.
The music and the makers
Robert Lopez co-wrote the score, bringing his experience crafting sharp, structurally traditional musical comedy to material that is anything but traditional in content. The songs echo classic Broadway forms, big anthems, buddy numbers, and rousing ensemble pieces, while the lyrics deliver pointed, often outrageous comedy.
That contrast between old fashioned musical theatre craftsmanship and edgy, contemporary humor is central to the show's comic identity. The result is a score that feels both nostalgic and startlingly irreverent at the same time.
The Book of Mormon on Broadway
The Book of Mormon opened on Broadway in 2011 and became one of the biggest hits of its era, drawing acclaim for its audacious humor and surprisingly polished, old school musical comedy craftsmanship. It quickly became one of the hardest tickets in New York.
Its popularity stems from that unusual combination: a show willing to push comedic boundaries while still delivering the kind of big, satisfying musical numbers that longtime Broadway fans expect. It remains a defining comedy of the 2010s Broadway landscape.
The Book of Mormon: frequently asked questions
When did The Book of Mormon open on Broadway?
It opened on Broadway in 2011.
Who composed The Book of Mormon?
Robert Lopez was among the composers who wrote the show's music and lyrics.
What genre is The Book of Mormon?
It is an original comedy musical known for its satirical, irreverent humor.
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