Original Stars Return to Book of Mormon
Nikki M. James and Rory O'Malley are reprising their roles in the Broadway musical for a limited run through January 17.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Latter-Day Saints
Nikki M. James and Rory O'Malley have returned to The Book of Mormon on Broadway in their original roles, marking the show's 15th anniversary. Both left the production when Barack Obama began his second presidential term.
Why it matters
The return reunites the original co-stars for a limited engagement timed to the musical's anniversary, giving audiences in the United States a chance to see the founding cast perform again. The production's staging has also changed slightly since the pandemic shutdown.
Nikki M. James and Rory O'Malley each previously performed in the show more than 800 times before leaving the production. The return runs through January 17, 2027, and the musical opened on Broadway in 2011.
The players
Nikki M. James
James is a Tony Award-winning actress who won for her performance in The Book of Mormon and was later nominated for Suffs.
Rory O'Malley
O'Malley is a Broadway performer who received a Tony nomination for his work in The Book of Mormon.
The details
James and O'Malley rehearsed for two weeks to relearn the material before returning. The updated script gives James' character Nabulungi the role of scaring off the warlords at the end of the show.
Timeline
• 2011: The Book of Mormon opens on Broadway.
• January 2013: James and O'Malley leave the show as Barack Obama begins his second term.
• 2026: The 15th anniversary brings back the original cast members.
• January 17, 2027: The original-role run ends.
Season Trajectory
The return of the founding cast revisits the musical that launched in 2011 and won multiple Tony Awards. It follows the show's long run on Broadway, where original performers are rarely reunited in their original roles.
Theatergoers can see the original co-stars perform in their founding roles through January 17. The limited run offers a chance to attend the production with its founding cast before the engagement ends.
The takeaway
The return shows how a long-running Broadway musical can bring its founding performers back for a commemorative run. Audiences interested in the production should check ticket availability before the January 17 close.
What happens next
James and O'Malley perform in their original roles until January 17, 2027.
Further reading
Explore more in Latter-Day Saints coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Mail Online.
