Cynthia Erivo is set to take on the role of Jesus in the iconic musical ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ at the Hollywood Bowl.
The British actress and singer’s casting was announced by the Los Angeles Philharmonic on Tuesday. The production, scheduled for early August, is part of the venue’s 2025 summer season lineup.
The rock musical, created by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, features a powerful score with hits like ‘Superstar’, ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’, and ‘Gethsemane’.
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Directed and choreographed by Sergio Trujillo, Jesus Christ Superstar delves into the complex relationships and struggles between Jesus, Judas, Mary Magdalene, his disciples, followers, and the Roman Empire.
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Originally debuting on Broadway in 1971 at the Mark Hellinger Theatre, the musical’s return to the Hollywood Bowl marks a revival after performances were halted in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Hollywood Bowl’s summer season will also showcase performances by John Legend, Cyndi Lauper, John Fogerty, Josh Groban, Charlie Wilson, Alabama Shakes, Rick Springfield, and Diana Ross. Hugh Jackman will open the season with numbers from The Greatest Showman and The Music Man, accompanied by the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra and Young Orchestra Los Angeles (YOLA). The inaugural Blue Note Jazz Festival will feature headliners Grace Jones, Willow, and De La Soul.
Erivo, a Tony Award winner, previously portrayed Mary Magdalene in the 2020 concept album Jesus Christ Superstar: She Is Risen, delivering standout performances of Everything’s Alright and I Don’t Know How To Love Him. Her career has garnered critical acclaim, including best actress nominations at the Golden Globes, Critics Choice, Screen Actors Guild, and Academy Awards.
The 38-year-old actress, fresh off her acclaimed role as Elphaba in Wicked, expressed her excitement about the new role.
“Just a little busy this summer,” Erivo wrote on her Instagram stories. “Can’t wait.”
Erivo will bring her talents to the stage as the Holy Savior for three nights, from August 1 to August 3, promising a performance that reimagines the timeless story through a fresh and dynamic lens.
Her role has sparked mixed reactions online as some critics tagged it as blasphemy.
“I think you were great in wicked, we’re playing Jesus is very, very disrespectful and you should know better… It’s downright disrespectful and has nothing to do with the color, has to do with the fact that the son of God is a man, and respecting that fact alone should let you know to take on this opportunity or not… Shame on you and the Hollywood bowl… If this was another religion, you would not do it out of respect,” someone opined.
“Absolute blasphemy. may god be merciful to those who taunt him, and disobey his word. for you are lost, and i will pray for you to be found. We still love you but this is unacceptable as a Christian,” another critic agreed.
“Jesus is a MAN not a woman!!!” said a third person.
“This is blasphemous. Such a wicked generation we live in where most people approve the mockery of God,” someone else commented.
However a fan with a divergent opinion commented: “Cynthia Erivo as Jesus Christ! SOLD!!”
