Josh Gad and Andrew Rannells Reunite for Book of Mormon's 15th Broadway Anniversary

Original cast members Josh Gad and Andrew Rannells returned to the stage at the 2026 Tony Awards to commemorate 15 years of The Book of Mormon on Broadway. The two performers, who originated the roles of Elder Cunningham and Elder Price respectively, reunited for a performance that marked a significant milestone for the satirical musical created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone alongside composer Robert Lopez.

The Return to Broadway's Biggest Stage

Gad and Rannells performed at Radio City Music Hall during the Tony Awards ceremony on June 7, delivering the show's signature musical number as part of the celebration. This appearance signals the launch of a broader reunion effort spanning the week of June 9 through June 14, during which the original cast will make appearances in every performance of the show.

The Magical Mormon Mystery Week features four principal original cast members: Josh Gad, Andrew Rannells, Nikki M. James (who won a Tony Award for her role as Nabulungi), and Rory O'Malley (Elder McKinley). Beyond the core cast, the week will include appearances by the show's creative team—Parker, Stone, and Lopez—along with members of the original Broadway and Ugandan ensembles, with additional surprise guests scheduled throughout the seven-day celebration.

A Show That Defied Expectations

When The Book of Mormon premiered in 2011, it became one of Broadway's most successful comedies, claiming nine Tony Awards including Best Musical and Best Score. The show tells the story of two mismatched missionaries dispatched to Uganda, where they encounter circumstances far removed from their expectations—grappling with an AIDS epidemic, warfare, and famine while attempting to convert the local population to Mormonism.

Gad has spoken candidly about his initial hesitation with the material. Upon hearing the irreverent song "Hasa Diga Eebowai," in which Ugandan villagers curse God, Gad recalled contacting his agent with serious doubts about participating. Conversely, Rannells felt confident in the project's comedic merit from the outset, ultimately becoming part of a production that would achieve remarkable longevity. The musical has not only remained on Broadway for 15 years but has also toured to Salt Lake City, the headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Despite the satire, Gad emphasizes that the show carries a fundamentally positive message. He describes The Book of Mormon as "very pro-faith," noting that beneath the "craziness and chaos" lies an emotionally resonant conclusion that ultimately conveys hope and meaning.