The Book of Mormon Returns to Broadway with Original Cast Members

Nikki M. James and Rory O'Malley are set to reprise their roles in the hit Broadway musical "The Book of Mormon at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre, marking their return after 12 years away from the show.

James and O'Malley were part of the original cast that premiered the show in 2011, which went on to become a cultural phenomenon. The musical tells the story of two Mormon missionaries who encounter unexpected challenges while serving in Uganda, including encounters with warlords and villages struggling with HIV.

The Tony Award-winning James quipped about her return to the theatre, joking that even after all these years, some things remain unchanged - like the clogged sink in her dressing room. O'Malley echoed similar sentiments, describing his experience of returning to the stage as surreal.

Their reunion is a result of this year's 15th anniversary celebration of the show, which has seen numerous cast changes over the years but remains a beloved and popular production. James likened her return to revisiting her hometown after many years away, where familiar paths still exist even if you've been gone for decades.

The pair will be reprising their original roles until January 17th, bringing back some of the magic that made The Book of Mormon a global sensation when it first opened. Their presence is expected to delight both old and new fans alike.

Their return marks an exciting development in the show's ongoing history, with many in the theatre community eagerly anticipating the impact their reunion will have on the production.

The return of Nikki M. James and Rory O'Malley to The Book of Mormon on Broadway marks a significant shift in the show's dynamics.

James points out that they are performing the musical in a vastly different world than when they last took the stage. The current cultural landscape has brought about a renewed focus on representation, responsibility, and discourse around sensitive topics like race and religion.

Since leaving The Book of Mormon, James has had a string of notable achievements. She won a Tony Award for her role in the show and went on to marry and start a family. Her career has also included a stint in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and another Tony nomination for her work in Suffs.

O'Malley, too, has experienced significant success since his time with The Book of Mormon. He earned a Tony nomination and won roles in notable productions like Hamilton" and "She Loves Me. Like James, he has also married and had children.

Both actors acknowledge the daunting task of returning to their hit show after achieving so much in their careers. With over 800 performances each under their belts, they admit to feeling a mix of nerves and excitement as they revisit their iconic roles.

The creators of The Book of Mormon have made some adjustments to the script since its initial run on Broadway. Trey Parker and Matt Stone, who also created the satirical animated series South Park, along with Robert Lopez, co-creator of Avenue Q, made these changes during the pandemic shutdown.

One significant alteration is giving Nabulungi, a key character played by Nikki M. James, more agency in the story's climax. Her role has been amplified to the point where she becomes the one who scares off the warlords at the end, bringing her on equal footing with the missionaries and culminating in a solo performance.

This modification is particularly significant for James, as it gives her character a new level of importance in the show. She notes that this change makes a substantial impact, even if it's a relatively small adjustment to the overall narrative.

Rory O'Malley has also undergone a transformation since his initial run in The Book of Mormon. He now gets to showcase his talents as the lead singer of the song Turn It Off," a humorous take on hiding one's true identity.

As someone who came out at 19 and co-founded the gay rights group Broadway Impact, O'Malley appreciates how the show allows him to explore themes that are close to his heart. The cast members have remained close-knit over the years, with some even visiting the theater to welcome back James and O'Malley.

The cast members have been leaving behind their own personal touches in the theater over the years. One tradition has involved putting up headshots in the stage-right dressing room tower, a practice that recently included a photo of Gavin Creel, who sadly passed away.

James and O'Malley have also discovered remnants of past performances while exploring backstage areas. For instance, they've found stickers and notes that have been left behind for 15 years. O'Malley recalls being transported back to February 2011 when he first moved into the theater after detecting a familiar smell under the stage.

As they adjusted to their roles once more, O'Malley encountered an unexpected challenge on his first night back: he forgot how to get on stage at the beginning of Act 2. He had to ask for assistance from colleagues, joking later about deleting notes he had made years ago.