You’ve probably seen the posters. Maybe you’ve heard the soundtrack on a loop while stuck in traffic on I-10. But there is something specific about the Book of Mormon El Paso energy that hits differently than a Broadway run or even a stint in a city like Dallas or Phoenix. It’s loud. It’s crude. And honestly? It is one of the most technically proficient pieces of theater to ever roll through the Plaza Theatre.
People always ask if the hype is dead. It’s been over a decade since Trey Parker, Matt Stone, and Robert Lopez unleashed this beast on the world. You’d think by now the shock value would have evaporated into the desert heat. It hasn’t. In fact, the cultural friction of bringing a show that satirizes organized religion, African stereotypes, and American optimism to a city with the deep, complex religious roots of El Paso creates a fascinating dynamic.
It’s hilarious. It’s uncomfortable. It’s exactly what the Sun City needs every few years to shake things up.
Why the Plaza Theatre Changes the Show
Seeing a touring production isn't just about the actors on stage; it’s about the room. The Plaza Theatre is a literal atmospheric masterpiece. When you are sitting under those "stars" and looking at the Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, the juxtaposition with a song like "Hasa Diga Eebowai" is jarring in the best way possible.
The acoustics in the Plaza are tight. That matters for a show like this. In some larger, more cavernous stadiums, the lyrics—which are the most important part of the comedy—get swallowed by the reverb. In El Paso, you hear every single syllable of Elder Cunningham’s frantic lying.
Wait. Why does El Paso specifically show up for this?
💡 You might also like: Greatest Rock and Roll Singers of All Time: Why the Legends Still Own the Mic
It’s the community. El Paso has a massive, diverse population with a very high "BS meter." We know when something is being preachy. The Book of Mormon works here because, beneath the layers of tap-dancing Mormons and "Star Wars" references, it isn't actually an anti-religious play. It’s a pro-humanity play. It suggests that maybe the stories we tell don't have to be literally true to be "true" in the way they help us treat each other better. That resonates in a border city where faith and reality often collide in messy, beautiful ways.
Understanding the Logistics of the Tour
When people look for Book of Mormon El Paso information, they’re usually hunting for the "how" and "when." Most Broadway in El Paso seasons are managed through the El Paso Live organization. If you missed the most recent window, you aren't alone. The touring schedule for a show of this magnitude is a logistical nightmare.
- The Cast: These aren't "B-team" actors. The touring companies for Mormon are notoriously high-caliber because the choreography is punishing.
- The Set: It’s a massive rig. They have to fit the revolving stages and the intricate lighting into the Plaza’s historic backstage area, which is a tight squeeze for modern shows.
- The Lottery: Usually, when the show is in town, there is a digital lottery for $25 tickets. It’s the best-kept secret in the city.
I remember talking to a friend who worked backstage during a previous run. They mentioned how the cast loves the El Paso crowds because we actually laugh at the "darker" jokes. Some audiences in the Midwest get a little stiff. El Pasoans? We’ve seen enough real-life weirdness to appreciate the absurdity on stage.
Breaking Down the Content: Is it Actually Offensive?
Let’s be real. If you are easily offended, stay home. Seriously.
The show tackles everything from the AIDS crisis in Uganda to female genital mutilation, all through the lens of catchy, upbeat show tunes. It is a tightrope walk. But the brilliance of Stone and Parker (the "South Park" creators) is that the "butt of the joke" isn't usually the people of Uganda or even the Mormon faith itself. The joke is the naive, "white savior" complex of the young missionaries who think they can solve systemic poverty with a book they don't even fully understand themselves.
📖 Related: Ted Nugent State of Shock: Why This 1979 Album Divides Fans Today
Elder Price represents every person who ever thought they were the "main character." We all know an Elder Price. Maybe, if we’re being honest, we’ve been one.
The character of Nabulungi provides the heart. Her song "Sal Tlay Ka Siti" is a genuine, soaring ballad about yearning for a paradise that doesn't exist. It’s the emotional anchor. Without it, the show would just be a series of vulgar gags. With it, it becomes a commentary on the universal human desire to believe in something better.
Common Misconceptions About the Show
- The Church of Latter-Day Saints hates it. Actually, the Church famously took out ads in the playbills that said, "You’ve seen the play, now read the book." They took a "lean into it" approach that was surprisingly savvy.
- It’s just South Park on stage. It’s much more "musical theater" than "South Park." Robert Lopez (who wrote "Frozen" and "Avenue Q") ensured the music follows strict Broadway structures. It’s a love letter to the genre.
- You can’t bring kids. You can, but you probably shouldn’t unless they’re older teenagers who’ve already seen everything on the internet. The F-bombs per minute ratio is high.
What to Expect Next Time It Hits El Paso
Parking. Let’s talk about parking. If you’re heading to the Plaza, don't try to park right in front. Use the Mills Building garage or the Camino Real (Hotel Paso del Norte) area. Better yet, grab dinner at Anson 11 or Park Tavern first. Walking into the theater with a full stomach and a slight buzz is the optimal way to experience the opening number, "Hello."
If you are looking to buy tickets for a future Book of Mormon El Paso date, avoid the third-party resellers who mark prices up by 400%. Stick to the official Plaza Theatre box office or the El Paso Live website.
The show usually runs for about 2 hours and 30 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission. The line for the restroom at the Plaza during intermission is legendary—plan accordingly.
👉 See also: Mike Judge Presents: Tales from the Tour Bus Explained (Simply)
Actionable Steps for the Theater-Goer
If you're planning on catching the next run or just want to dive deeper into the phenomenon, here is what you need to do:
Listen to the Cast Recording First
Honestly, some of the jokes fly by so fast you’ll miss them. Listen to the Original Broadway Cast recording with Andrew Rannells and Josh Gad. It gives you the "map" of the story so you can focus on the physical comedy when you're actually in your seat.
Check the "Broadway in El Paso" Season Lineup
The show doesn't stay in town forever. It’s usually a one-week engagement. Sign up for the El Paso Live newsletter. They send out pre-sale codes that let you bypass the general public rush.
Look for the "Lucky Seat" Lottery
Most major tours now use the "Lucky Seat" app for their ticket lotteries. You enter 24 hours in advance and can score front-row or near-front-row seats for less than the price of a decent steak at Cattleman's.
Respect the House
The Plaza is a treasure. Dress up a little. It doesn't have to be a tuxedo—this is El Paso, after all—but showing up in a nice button-down or a dress adds to the "event" feel of a Broadway show.
The Book of Mormon El Paso experience is a reminder that even in a world that feels increasingly divided, we can all sit in a dark room together and laugh at the sheer ridiculousness of being alive. It’s crude, it’s loud, and it is exactly what we need. Keep an eye on the schedule; when those bells ring for the opening number, you want to be in the room.
Next Steps for You
- Check the official El Paso Live events calendar for the latest Broadway season announcements.
- Follow the Plaza Theatre on social media to catch "flash sale" announcements.
- Download the Lucky Seat app so you're ready for the lottery when the tour dates are officially confirmed.