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Overview
Synopsis
The hit Broadway musical The Book of Mormon, written by “South Park”’s Trey Stone and Matt Smith and Frozen’s Robert Lopez, is an irreverent, hysterical, and surprisingly sweet send-up of religion, culture shock, and classic musical theatre. In The Book of Mormon, two very different young LDS missionaries --the talented, eager Elder Price and the nerdy, pathologically lying Elder Cunningham-- are paired together and sent to Uganda to perform their two-year mission. To the missionaries’ disappointment, the local population seems to be more focused on the poverty, famine, AIDS epidemic, and despotic warlord in their midst than on religion. It’s going to be a fight for salvation. While Elder Price combats his own expectations and doubts, Elder Cunningham battles his inability to remember scripture or tell the truth, fellow missionary Elder McKinley crushes his homosexual urges, and the beautiful Ugandan Nabalungi fights to keep her hopes and dreams alive in the midst of great terror and uncertainty. It will take a little inventiveness, a lot of teamwork, and perhaps an excommunication or two for the Elders to succeed in their mission.
Show Information
Context
In the summer of 2003, successful “South Park” duo Trey Parker and Matt Stone flew to New York City, and on the recommendation of producer Scott Rudin, saw Avenue Q, a raunchy puppet musical that was written and composed by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx. The quartet struck up a quick friendship, which soon developed into a collaborative partnership after they realized that they were all interested in creatively exploring the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and its prophet Joseph
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Act One
At the Latter Day Saints (LDS) Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah, the bright, handsome, and popular young Elder Price is leading his colleagues (including the nerdy, insecure pathological liar Elder Cunningham in a practice run of their door-to-door conversion speech (“Hello”). Elder Price is enthusiastic about his two-year mission -- he has prayed very hard and is sure he’ll be assigned to his favorite place on earth: Orlando, Florida. Much to his dismay, however, Elder
to read the plot for The Book of Mormon and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
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Lead |
Male |
Tenor |
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Lead |
Male |
Tenor |
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Supporting |
Male |
Baritone |
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Supporting |
Male |
Baritone |
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Supporting |
Male |
Baritone |
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Supporting |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano |
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Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Featured |
Male |
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Featured |
Male |
Baritone |
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Featured |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano |
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Featured |
Male |
Baritone |
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Featured |
Male |
Baritone |
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Featured |
Male |
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Ensemble |
Either Gender |
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Ensemble |
Either Gender |
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Songs
Act I
Act II
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a medical condition caused by the HIV virus that weakens the immune system. It has had a profound impact on the performing arts community, particularly in the late 20th century, as many artists and organizations have addressed its social and personal effects through theatre.
A recurring character type or symbol representing universal patterns in storytelling, often used in classical and contemporary theatre.
A musical with a well-structured narrative that integrates songs, dialogue, and dance to advance plot and character development.
An “I Want Song” is a number, usually placed early in a musical, where a main character expresses their deepest desire or ambition. This song sets the character’s journey in motion and gives the audience a clear emotional stake in the story. It has become one of the most recognizable and enduring conventions of musical theatre structur
Short for 'legitimate theatre,' referring to traditional stage drama as opposed to musical or commercial performance. The term is also used to describe a classical vocal tone suitable for operatic or legit musical theatre roles.
A recurring musical theme associated with a particular character, idea, or emotion. Frequently used in opera and musical theatre, leitmotifs help reinforce narrative continuity and emotional cues for the audience.
The complete text of an opera, musical, or other extended vocal work, including all spoken dialogue and lyrics. The libretto provides the dramatic structure and narrative arc, serving as a guide for both performers and directors to align story and music.
What a character wants to achieve in a scene or play. Defining objectives helps actors clarify intention and emotional stakes.
A force or condition that prevents a character from achieving their objective. Recognizing obstacles helps define conflict and dramatic tension.
A work imitating styles or genres from various sources, often used in postmodern theatre for satire or homage.
An introductory speech or scene that sets up the context or themes of a play. Prologues are commonly used in classical drama to prepare the audience for what follows.
Satire is a dramatic style that uses humor, irony, and exaggeration to criticize human behavior, social institutions, or political systems. In theatre, it highlights flaws and hypocrisies through wit and parody, encouraging audiences to laugh while also reflecting on serious issues. Satire can range from lighthearted comedy to biting social commentary, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
Themes
Faith and Doubt
At its heart, the musical
to read about the themes, symbols and motifs from The Book of Mormon and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Quote Analysis
“I believe that God lives on a planet called Kolob.”
to read our analysis of select quotes from The Book of Mormon and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Guide Written By:
