Josh Gad and Andrew Rannells reunited with the original cast of The Book of Mormon at the 2026 Tony Awards on June 7, performing the musical’s Act One closer “Man Up” to celebrate the show’s 15th anniversary at Radio City Music Hall.
The performance marked the first time the original Broadway cast had taken the stage together since the musical’s 2011 debut. Alongside Gad and Rannells were fellow original cast members Rory O’Malley, Nikki M. James, and Michael Potts, who were introduced by the show’s creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, along with composer Robert Lopez.
The Book of Mormon premiered on Broadway on March 24, 2011, and became an immediate phenomenon, winning nine Tony Awards that year including Best Musical and Best Score, according to NPR. The show’s satirical take on faith and youthful idealism—created by Parker and Stone, the minds behind South Park, alongside Lopez—struck a cultural nerve and has remained one of Broadway’s most enduring hits.
“He had no idea that he had just discovered a Tony Award-winning musical that has now gone on to endure for over 5,500 performances on Broadway,” Parker said during the Tony Awards introduction, referencing the fictional discovery of the Book of Mormon by Joseph Smith.
Return to the Stage After Theater Fire
The reunion performance carried added significance given recent challenges. On May 4, 2026, a three-alarm electrical fire broke out at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre, the musical’s home on Broadway, forcing the production to cancel performances and close the theater temporarily. The fire damaged the theater’s follow spot booth and surrounding areas, according to reports from NY1 and the New York Times.
After substantial repairs, the theater reopened on May 27, allowing The Book of Mormon to resume performances just days before the Tony Awards ceremony. The swift recovery enabled the original cast to gather for their anniversary celebration, a feat that seemed uncertain when the fire first struck.
Beyond the Tony Awards performance, Gad, Rannells, James, and other original cast members are also appearing in special guest spots during “Magical Mormon Mystery Week,” running June 9-14 at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre. The week marks a broader celebration of the musical’s 15-year milestone on stage, demonstrating the show’s lasting cultural impact and the enduring connection between the original company and the production.
Sources
- NPR — Original cast reunion at 2026 Tony Awards, 15th anniversary performance, Book of Mormon’s 2011 Tony wins including Best Musical.
- People.com — Details of June 7 Tony Awards performance, cast members present, introduction by creators, Magical Mormon Mystery Week dates and participants.
- NY1 — Theater reopening date (May 27, 2026) after fire damage.
- New York Times — Fire details (May 4, 2026), response by 192 firefighters, theater repairs.
