Cynthia Erivo, who charmed moviegoers as Elphaba in the 2024 film adaptation of the musical “Wicked,” will star in the title role of “Jesus Christ Superstar” in a production that will play at the Hollywood Bowl this August.
“A global phenomenon that has wowed audiences for decades, Jesus Christ Superstar is a timeless work that explores the biblical portrayal of the extraordinary events that led to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ as seen through the eyes of his betrayer, Judas Iscariot,” says a description of the show on the Hollywood Bowl website. “The story, told entirely through song, explores the personal relationships and struggles between Jesus, Judas, Mary Magdalene, Jesus’ disciples, his followers and the Roman Empire.”
The site says that the rest of the cast for the Aug. 1-3 production of “Jesus Christ Superstar” is yet to be announced.
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Cynthia Erivo Takes on the Role of Jesus
Cynthia Erivo is an award-winning British actor and singer and the daughter of Nigerian immigrants. Her accolades include being the winner of a Tony Award, Daytime Emmy Award, and Grammy Award. Erivo was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of Harriet Tubman in the 2019 biopic “Harriet” and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song for the film’s song “Stand Up.”
Erivo was most recently nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of Elphaba alongside her costar Ariana Grande, who was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for Grande’s portrayal of Galinda/Glinda.
“Jesus Christ Superstar” is a rock opera told from the perspective of Judas that debuted in 1971 and is loosely based on the gospel accounts of the life of Jesus. Andrew Lloyd Webber composed the music, and Tim Rice wrote the lyrics.
“This brand-new production sees Jesus Christ Superstar returning to its rock roots,” says the the Hollywood Bowl website, “and features lyrics by Tim Rice and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, with Tony Award winner Sergio Trujillo as director and choreographer and Tony winner Stephen Oremus as musical director and conductor.”
According to the Los Angeles Times, the show will be the first summer musical to take place at the Hollywood Bowl since the COVID-19 pandemic caused a hiatus in 2020.
The play was and is controversial for reasons including that it suggests a romantic relationship between Jesus and Mary Magdalene, shows Jesus struggling with doubt, takes a sympathetic view toward Judas, and does not depict the resurrection. People have also criticized it for an antisemitic portrayal of the Jews. Famed evangelist Billy Graham once said that “Jesus Christ Superstar” “bordered on blasphemy.”
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