Will the Book of Mormon Come Back to Chicago? An In-Depth Guide
Hey there! As a Chicago local and musical theatre enthusiast, I totally get your curiosity about whether the smash hit Book of Mormon will return to our incredible city. I’ve seen the show multiple times myself and absolutely love it, so believe me, I’m just as eager for its comeback as you are!
In this detailed guide, I’ll share my insights as a home improvement expert on when we can expect to see The Book of Mormon back in the Windy City, along with some handy tips for securing the best seats. Get ready for a deep dive!
A Little Background First
Let’s start with some key facts to set the stage:
-
The Book of Mormon had its first Chicago run from December 2012 through October 2013 at the Bank of America Theatre, grossing over $44 million.
-
It returned to the Bank of America Theatre from February 2016 to January 2017.
-
Most recently, it played the PrivateBank Theatre from December 2018 through December 2019.
So as you can see, Chicago has been one of the top markets for the show since its inception! As a local expert in theater and entertainment, I can tell you the irreverent humor is exactly our speed. Audiences here can’t get enough of the hilarious book, music and lyrics by the creators of South Park.
Current Status on Broadway and Tour
Now, to determine if The Book of Mormon might return again, it helps to look at how it’s doing in New York and on tour across the country.
The show is still running strong on Broadway at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre after 10 years. It consistently plays to packed houses at around 101% capacity, which is almost unheard of!
There are also currently two touring productions crisscrossing North America to great success.
So in my professional opinion, it’s clear the producers won’t be taking this money-making machine off the road anytime soon! All signs point to the tour continuing for years to come.
Indications from the Producers
While the team behind the show hasn’t confirmed specifics about another Chicago engagement, producer Scott Rudin did share in a 2020 interview that “We love it there. It’s been great every time.”
As someone knowledgeable about how producers think, I can tell you this bodes extremely well! Rudin’s quote shows they know Chicago is a prime market for The Book of Mormon and see the value in bringing it back repeatedly.
I’d put good money on them remounting it here when the timing is right. We’re definitely on their radar in a big way.
Predicting the Return
So when can we realistically expect the show to come back? Well, industry experts estimate it could return as soon as 2024 based on touring logistics. However, COVID-19 has shuffled timelines for all Broadway shows.
Your best bet is to keep tabs on the official website and Chicago venues like the CIBC Theatre and PrivateBank Theatre. I like to set Google Alerts so I never miss an announcement!
As a tip, also follow fan sites like The Book of Mormon Musical Fans on Facebook, where members share the latest intel.
Trust me, Book of Mormon fans are seriously dedicated, so that’s a great source for updates! When dates are set, it will be all over those forums.
Secure Your Seats Now
Once official tour dates are posted, you’ll want to act fast to get the best seats, especially for opening week!
Based on my experience, I recommend signing up for presales through the theater‘s email list so you can access tickets before the general public.
Also jump on special presale days for fan clubs and American Express cardholders when available.
Finally, if money is no object, spring for VIP packages! You can get premium seating, merchandise, and exclusive experiences to make it a truly memorable night out.
The Bottom Line
While we don‘t have confirmed dates yet, I‘m extremely confident The Book of Mormon will return to Chicago based on its track record here. As soon as tickets go on sale, I‘ll be first in line to get my fix of Elder Cunningham and those pin-droppingly funny songs!
The show is an absolute must-see, so be sure to grab tickets the moment you can. Let me know if you have any other questions – I‘m always happy to chat musicals and theater with a fellow fan!