Ranking Our 5 Favorite Songs From Broadway’s ‘The Book of Mormon’!

Today (March 24), The Book of Mormon says "hello" to its 15th anniversary! The 9-time Tony Award-winning musical follows two Mormons, Elder Price (originated by Andrew Rannells) and Elder Cunningham (originated by Josh Gad) on their mission to Uganda. The original Boradway production marked breakout roles for both Rannells and Gad, earning them each their first Tony Award nomination. With a book, music, and lyrics by "South Park" creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone and Avenue Q co-creator Robert Lopez, it’s no surprise that The Book of Mormon gets as shocking and raunchy as it does. However, it wouldn’t have been able to run as long as it has if it didn’t also have a whole lot of heart. Here’s our ranking of our 5 favorite songs from the show! 

5. "Baptize Me"

This song is a sweet duet between Elder Cunningham and his love interest, Nabulungi, the first Ugandan villager to believe in Cunningham and his preachings. This song playfully leans into her strong desire to get baptized by him. The lyrics are cleverly filled to the brim with double entendres, easily making it one of our favorites. 

4. "Spooky Mormon Hell Dream"

After Elder Price abandons his mission, he begins to have second thoughts... nightmarish thoughts. His mind transports him to his version of Hell, complete with murderers, dancing coffee cups, and… a kick line! The pure absurdity and chaos of this song makes it hilariously memorable. 

3. "Man Up"

Talk about an Act I finale! This song perfectly captures what each character is feeling to create one big, powerful mashup. However, Josh Gad’s creative vocal choices are what truly solidify this song’s spot on the list. 

2. "I Believe"

This song marks Elder Price truly getting his groove back. Regardless of what you think about Price’s beliefs, this number’s music and lyrics make his passion and determination palpable. And we can’t talk about this song without highlighting Andrew Rannells’s insanely impressive vocals!

1. "Turn It Off"

In this number, district leader Elder McKinley teaches Price and Cunningham "a cool little Mormon trick". He leads the Mormons in suppressing all kinds of things, from familial abuse to soul-crushing guilt, and even suppresses his own "gay thoughts". The way this song pairs insanely dark lyrics with such upbeat music easily makes it one of the show’s funniest numbers. It even includes a tap dance break!

To see The Book of Mormon live, including the special "Magical Mormon Mystery Week" performances in June featuring original castmembers to celebrate the 15th anniversary, tickets are available to purchase here!