The iconic Broadway musical The Book of Mormon has received a contemporary update, marking a significant milestone in its celebrated run. In a timely revision, the show's creators have modified the popular song Spooky Mormon Hell Dream to include a reference to the late sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, who now appears in place of serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer.
A Nightmare Scene Gets a Modern Twist
This musical number follows the character Elder Price, originally portrayed by Tony nominee Andrew Rannells and currently played by Kevin Clay, as he experiences a terrifying nightmare about being condemned to hell. Within this infernal landscape, the young missionary encounters various notorious figures, including Adolf Hitler, O.J. Simpson defense attorney Johnnie Cochran, and now, Jeffrey Epstein.
Creators Explain the Revision
During Thursday night's performance at New York's Eugene O'Neill Theatre, creators Matt Stone, Trey Parker, and Robert Lopez addressed the audience about their decision to incorporate Epstein into the show. You guys were the first to see the Epstein joke tonight, Parker stated, as captured in TikTok footage shared by Broadway outlet Theatrely. We spent three months on the rewrite, and it was finally here tonight.
The Book of Mormon premiered on March 24, 2011, at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre, where it continues to entertain audiences. This satirical comedy follows two missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as they attempt to spread their faith in a remote Ugandan village. The original production earned nine Tony Awards and launched the careers of Andrew Rannells, Josh Gad, and Rory O'Malley in both Broadway and Hollywood.
Consistent with Creators' Satirical Style
The inclusion of Epstein aligns with the satirical approach of Stone and Parker, who are also the masterminds behind South Park. That animated series has frequently critiqued political figures and current events, including an episode last December that referenced Epstein. In 2019, Epstein died while awaiting trial on charges of sex trafficking underage girls.
In a previous interview with The New York Times, Parker emphasized that South Park does not align with any political party, having parodied figures across the spectrum, such as former President Barack Obama and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. It's not that we got all political, he remarked. It's that politics became pop culture.
Anticipated Reunions and Future Surprises
Fans of The Book of Mormon can look forward to additional surprises during the show's Magical Mormon Mystery Week in June. This special event will feature performances by original cast members Josh Gad, Rory O'Malley, and Andrew Rannells, alongside the current stars, promising a memorable celebration of the musical's enduring legacy.
