Andrew Rannells, Josh Gad reunite for 'Book of Mormon' Tony Awards showstopper

Andrew Rannells sparks nostalgia as original 'Book of Mormon' stars return at Tonys

By Maryam Nadeem June 08, 2026
Andrew Rannells, Josh Gad reunite for 'Book of Mormon' Tony Awards showstopper
Andrew Rannells, Josh Gad reunite for 'Book of Mormon' Tony Awards showstopper

Andrew Rannells helped set the tone for a night of pure Broadway nostalgia as The Book of Mormon original cast reunited in a surprise moment at the 2026 Tony Awards.

Fifteen years after the hit musical first premiered, Rannells and Josh Gad, who originated the roles of Elder Price and Elder Cunningham in 2011, were back on stage together at Radio City Music Hall, sending fans into a frenzy. 

The duo reunited with fellow original cast members for a high-energy performance of Man Up, the Act One closer that helped turn the show into a global sensation.

The special segment was introduced by creators Trey Parker, Matt Stone and composer Robert Lopez, who reflected on the musical’s unlikely journey from bold, controversial comedy to one of Broadway’s longest-running hits. 

In their usual tongue-in-cheek style, they joked about its enduring success and more than 5,500 performances worldwide.

Joining Rannells and Gad were original cast members Nikki M. James, Rory O’Malley and Michael Potts, with the reunion marking the first time the full original company had shared the Tony stage in years. 

The audience responded with huge applause as the cast delivered a sharp, crowd-pleasing performance full of energy and nostalgia.

The celebration comes during a milestone year for the musical, which marked its 15th anniversary on Broadway earlier this year. 

Special events are planned, including a “Magical Mormon Mystery Week,” where former cast members will return for guest appearances at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre.

The production did face a brief setback recently after a fire damaged parts of the theatre, forcing a temporary shutdown. 

However, the show quickly bounced back after repairs and is once again running smoothly.

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