Jacob Aune. Photo courtesy of The National Theatre.
“The New York Times calls it “the best musical of this century.” The Washington Post says, “It is the kind of evening that restores your faith in musicals.” And Entertainment Weekly says, “Grade A: the funniest musical of all time.” Jimmy Fallon of The Tonight Show calls it “Genius. Brilliant. Phenomenal.” It’s “The Book of Mormon,” the nine-time Tony Award® winning Best Musical.
This outrageous musical comedy follows the adventures of a mismatched pair of missionaries, sent halfway across the world to spread the Good Word. With standing room only productions in London, on Broadway, and across North America, “The Book of Mormon” has truly become an international sensation.”
Jacob Aune is thrilled to be making his national tour debut in “The Book of Mormon” with this extraordinary cast. He is a proud graduate of Viterbo University (BFA Musical Theatre, Class of 2025) and is grateful to his mentors, family, and incredible friends. @jacobaunee
When I was young, my parents signed me up for one of those week-long summer theatre camps. I remember not wanting to go through with it, but learning that I’d been cast as Humpty Dumpty I thought that was hilarious and quickly was on board. From then on, I was always auditioning for the middle school and high school shows. My junior year of high school I transferred from the small charter school was attending to a performing arts high school in Saint Paul, Minnesota. It was there I learned what I wanted to do for my career and learned who I was as an artist.
This is my first professional show out of college! I graduated in May of 2025 and moved to Chicago in August. I was watching a movie with my best friend when he informed me about a listing for Elder Cunningham in “The Book of Mormon” he saw online. I submitted my materials that night and within a few days was asked to come to New York for callbacks. I’m well aware of how crazy it sounds, but this was my first audition in NYC and I’m incredibly grateful that the stars aligned for me. “The Book of Mormon” was the first musical I ever saw, and at that point I had seen the show four times, so I felt like I knew the material and could bring it to life.
It has been the best experience of my life. I feel so lucky to be traveling across North America right now. It’s an incredible opportunity to bring a show to different audiences every week. I’ve learned so much about myself as a person and a performer. I’ve also met lifelong friends while on the road.
Elder Cunningham is the embodiment of joy in my opinion. It’s often a relief to be able to step on stage and play the joy and curiosity and fun that he is. There definitely are some big shoes to fill when it comes to the talented actors that have taken on this role in the past, and this was an obstacle for me at first. Ultimately, I’ve found that the more I bring myself into this character and show, the easier it is for that joy and heart to come out!
My big dream show would be “The Producers.” I love doing comedy, and any role in that show would be a blast.
“The Book of Mormon” runs through May 3, 2026, at the National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004. (Read our review here.) For more information and to purchase tickets: in person at the Box Office Monday-Friday, 12-6 pm (Extended hours during performance days: Tuesday-Sunday, 12-7 pm) or go online.
