Broadway staple ‘The Book of Mormon’ comes to Syracuse

To Dylan Knight Weaver, The Book of Mormon is an “absolute Broadway staple.” 

“It brings people in from all over the world,” he said. “We go everywhere and it’s still just as funny and just as applicable to people”.

Weaver, a 2023 graduate of Syracuse University, will be returning to Syracuse in March. He will be taking over the role of Mormon missionary Elder Price in the show’s national tour. 

Weaver was performing in a production of Spring Awakening in New York City when another Syracuse alum convinced him to audition for the tour. An audition, one or two callbacks, and a few months later, Weaver landed the part.

When it comes to taking on a role in a show that’s been running for 15 years, Weaver brings pieces of himself to the character. All while still remaining true to the show’s vision. 

“Everything is already so funny, so a lot of it is just trusting in the script itself to do the talking and you find little moments where you can create a fun moment and let it speak through yourself,” he said. 

He credits the creative team behind the show as one of the reasons for its long-lasting success.

“It’s just an iconic show, it’s so well-written. Matt and Trey are incredibly smart creative writers and then the direction and choreography by Casey Nicholaw is some of the best you can ever find. It’s so typically Broadway but also reinvented a lot of things,” he said. 

Courtesy of The Book of Mormon Production

Weaver says his favorite parts of the show to perform are the show’s two opening numbers.

When it comes to his favorite part of the show to perform, he says it’s the show’s two opening numbers. He feels the high-energy songs set the tone for the rest of the show.

“You reel the audience in with it, most of the time they’re really with you, and it’s a great way to launch into this crazy story,” Weaver said.

He noted that part of the phenomenon of The Book of Mormon is the people it draws in who have never had exposure to musical theatre. 

“People see ‘South Park creators’ and they’re like ‘What? They have a musical? And it’s about Mormons?’ It has so many parts about it that are like ‘What’s going on here?’ So people want to check it out,” he said. “It’s a great entrance into the world of musical theatre and Broadway.”

Beyond performing, Weaver is excited to return to Syracuse and plans to revisit the places that defined his Syracuse experience.

“I’m going to see a lot of old professors, hopefully. I would love to go by the drama department and say ‘hi’ to people. I’m excited to just be downtown and go to restaurants I went to all the time when I was at school,” he said. 

He listed Pastabilities, Water Street Bagel Co, and Salt City Coffee as some of those staples he is hoping to visit again.

Weaver and the rest cast of The Book of Mormon will be performing at the Landmark Theatre from March 20 to March 22. Tickets are available here.