The Book of Mormon is back in Sydney — here's everything you need to know

From the writers of South Park, The Book of Mormon is a boundary-pushing musical that had all of Sydney talking last time it was here – and now it’s back.

The Book of Mormon is no stranger to Sydney. The hit musical made its Sydney debut on February 28, 2018, as part of its original Australian tour, following a successful premiere in Melbourne the month prior. Now, it’s making a highly anticipated return, this time taking over the Capitol Theatre, with its run shifting venues from previous productions due to the extended season of MJ The Musical at the Lyric.

Who’s in the cast?

There are a couple of returning cast members to this production of The Book of Mormon; however, the vast majority are new to the show this time around.

Playing the lead characters of Elder Kevin Price and Elder Arnold Cunningham are Sean Johnston and Nick Cox. Johnston most recently starred as Link Larkin in the Australian tour of Hairspray, and has previously taken on leading roles such as Danny Zuko in Grease and Sky in Mamma Mia!.

Cox, who is originally from Boston, has performed at the Radio City Music Hall with the Rockettes and made his Australian debut as Le Fou in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.

Other notable cast members include Paris Leveque, who is making her professional debut playing hopeful and curious villager Nabulungi, and Matthew Hamilton, who is playing the Mission President. Hamilton has previously played the role of Fiyero in the Australian premiere of Wicked.

Original Sydney cast members include Augie Tchanto, who is returning to his role as the General, and Josh Mulheran in the ensemble.

Book of Mormon cast — The Book of Mormon is known for pushing boundaries. (Credit: Paul Coltas, the London Company).

What is The Book of Mormon about?

If you’re unfamiliar with The Book of Mormon, prepare for a wild ride. This bold, satirical musical follows two young missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: the devout and confident Elder Kevin Price and the awkward, pop culture-obsessed Elder Arnold Cunningham. Kevin hopes his mission will take him to sunny Orlando, Florida, but instead the mismatched pair are sent to a remote village in Uganda.

Their arrival doesn’t go smoothly. They’re robbed almost immediately, and things only get more chaotic from there. As they attempt to spread their faith, they’re met with villagers grappling with far more urgent crises: poverty, famine, disease and the brutality of a local warlord. It’s a collision of earnest belief and harsh reality, explored through a lens of biting satire and outrageous humour.

Pushing boundaries

The Book of Mormon is not a show that tiptoes around sensitive subjects. With its creators, South Park’s Trey Parker and Matt Stone, and Avenue Q‘s Robert Lopez, it was never going to be subtle. The musical gleefully pushes boundaries, confronting taboo topics with unfiltered comedy and high-energy musical numbers.

That edge is part of the show’s global appeal, but it’s also sparked controversy. In 2020, following the murder of George Floyd, there were public calls to reassess the show’s portrayal of Black characters. Revisions were made to address some of these concerns, though the production still walks a fine line between satire and offence. If you choose to go and see the production, go in with an open mind and a sense of humour, and definitely don’t bring your children.

FAQS

When can I see The Book of Mormon in Sydney?

It opens at the Capitol Theatre, 13 Campbell St, Haymarket on July 15 and will play until October 26, unless it is extended. Performances take place at 7pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 7:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and at 6.30pm on Sundays. Matinee performances also take place at 2pm on Saturdays and 1pm on Sundays. Though scheduling changes are possible.

How do I get there?

Capitol Theatre is located in Haymarket and is easily accessible via public transport, taxi or car with ample parking nearby. The nearest train station is Central Station, while the Light Rail operates nearby too.