Fifteen years in, The Book of Mormon is still the most reliably filthy laugh on Broadway, and the joke people miss is that the score is a straight-faced golden-age pastiche underneath the profanity. Parker, Stone and Lopez built it as a genuine musical-comedy, which is why it won nine Tonys rather than just shocking people. If your December plans need one adults-only night that is not earnest, this is it.
What to expect
Two acts of fast, deliberately offensive comedy in a mid-sized house, with big tap and chorus numbers played entirely straight. The profanity is constant and the religious satire is the point rather than a garnish. Expect a crowd that arrives knowing what it booked and laughs on cue.
Good to know
- The Eugene O'Neill is at 230 West 49th; take the C/E to 50 St or the N/Q/R/W to 49 St
- This is firmly adults-only material; do not bring children
- A daily lottery offers heavily discounted seats for the front rows
- The house is mid-sized, so mezzanine seats still read facial expressions
- It is one of the easier hit tickets to get on short notice compared with newer shows
- Wheelchair seating and assistive listening are available at the theatre
Get Saturday planned every Thursday
One email a week — the best of the NYC weekend board. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Common questions
Do I need to know anything about the Mormon church?
No. The show explains its own theology in an early number, exaggerations included.
How offensive is it?
Very, by design, with sustained profanity and religious satire. It is one of the more explicit shows on Broadway.
Is there a lottery?
Yes. The production runs a daily lottery for reduced-price seats, drawn shortly before each performance.
More this weekend
