The Book Of Mormon at Eccles Theater

Launching in 2011, The Book of Mormon has undoubtedly been one of the most accomplished Broadway musicals since its inception. A collaboration by Trey Parker, Matt Stone, and Robert Lopez, the musical was inspired by the Latter-day Saints (LDS) founder and prophet Joseph Smith and his Book of Mormon. The show was intended to premiere off Broadway at the New York Theatre workshop after its 2008 staged reading, though this turned out to be a blessing in disguise as its actual premiere in 2011 moved to a more central location at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre.

In just a year, the Broadway play was already approved for a U.S. national tour that lasted four years, including a run in Salt Lake City, Utah, which marked the first time it would be performed there. The show also carried on to be performed in several locations, with a Chicago production produced in 2012, a West End production in 2013, and Australian and European productions both staged in 2017.

The unconventionality and nonconformity of this musical were key factors to this success. It narrates the story of Elder Kevin Price and Elder Arnold Cunningham, two Mormon missionaries who embark on a mission to spread their religion in a remote village in Uganda. It is there that they struggle with the indifference of the locals, as well as their opposite methods in spreading their faith, given that Cunningham lies to the villagers by tacking on hilarious tales woven from science fiction and fantasy stories into his religious teachings, while Price is resolved to teach the villagers in the usual, orthodox manner. The way the Book of Mormon is shared with the audience is staged in quite an unorthodox manner as well, usually making fun of religion in its script and also injecting comedy in both of its acts, and of course, let's not forget the showtunes!

For its current production, the Book of Mormon will be in Salt Lake City in January at the magnificent theatre venue of George S. and Dolores Dore Eccles Theater, which holds an smashing stage, sound system and acoustics, and top facilities that is fit for this box office hit. Tickets for the musical on Friday 24th January 2025 are available for purchase by using the link above.