Theater News

Rory O’Malley to Depart Book of Mormon January 27th

Lights out for Broadway’s original Elder McKinley.

Rory O’Malley will “turn it off” for the last time on January 27th at 7PM. The Tony Award nominated actor originated the role of Elder McKinley in the smash hit musical The Book of Mormon on Broadway, and has played the role for the past two years.

He announced his departure via his Facebook page and Twitter account:

Two years ago today, January 10, 2011, was the first day of rehearsal for THE BOOK OF MORMON on Broadway. Along with the previous three we spent developing the show, they have been the most wonderful and rewarding years of my career. As a kid I dreamt of nothing more than originating a role on Broadway, but getting to do that with Elder McKinley has fulfilled that dream tenfold. Now it’s time to pass the torch, or I guess… sparkly pink vest! My last show will be January 27th. I’ll miss it terribly, but I know the BOM family has grown so big that I’ll never be far from it! Thank you to all my family, friends, the greatest cast and crew ever assembled, and to BOM’s amazing fans. You are all truly… something incredible. NEVER TURN IT OFF!

The production has not yet announced a replacement for O’Malley. Book of Mormon currently stars Matt Doyle as Elder Price, Jon Bass as Elder Cunningham, and Tony Award winner Nikki M. James as Nabulungi.
O’Malley’s previous Broadway credits include The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. O’Malley will guest star on an upcoming episode of former Mormon costar (and college roommate) Josh Gad’s NBC comedy 1600 Penn. We look forward to seeing what he will take on next, and who can fill his tap- dancing shoes.

For more information about tickets to Book of Mormon on Broadway, click here.