Cynthia Erivo to Portray Jesus in Hollywood Bowl’s “Jesus Christ Superstar” – Talk About a Biblical Glow-Up!
Well, well, well, it’s official! The incredible Cynthia Erivo has been tapped to play Jesus Christ in the Hollywood Bowl’s upcoming production of “Jesus Christ Superstar,” and it’s a casting decision that’s causing quite the stir. The production of the famed Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice rock opera is set to run from August 1 to August 3 at the iconic Los Angeles venue, and fans couldn’t be more excited. Talk about a vocal powerhouse bringing a new vibe to a story that’s been told countless times!
For those who might be a little late to the party, the musical dives deep into the final days of Jesus, showcasing his relationships with pivotal characters like Judas and Mary Magdalene. Erivo will bring her undeniable talent to the role, having previously played Mary Magdalene in an all-female version of the musical album. If her rendition of “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” is any indication, we’re in for a spine-tingling performance. The mind behind this new staging is none other than Tony Award winner Sergio Trujillo, who will direct and choreograph the show, while another Tony winner, Stephen Oremus, will be the musical director.
On top of her upcoming role, Erivo is currently riding high with her third Oscar nomination for her performance as Elphaba in the blockbuster movie adaptation of “Wicked.” If she snags that Oscar on March 2, she’ll officially join the illustrious EGOT club, a rare group that includes Hollywood heavyweights like Jennifer Hudson and Whoopi Goldberg. Speaking of “Wicked,” the musical adaptation is breaking records as the top-grossing film based on a musical, boasting impressive nominations, including Best Picture.
The hype around “Jesus Christ Superstar” isn’t just about Erivo’s divine talent—let’s not forget the legacy! The rock opera revolutionized musical theatre, initially taking shape as a concept album before hitting Broadway. It even received the Hollywood treatment in 1973 in a film starring Ted Neeley. More recently, NBC aired “Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert” in 2018, showcasing artists like John Legend and Sara Bareilles. With a cast yet to be fully revealed, fans will be keeping their fingers crossed for surprise appearances! As Erivo put it on Instagram, she’s “just a little busy this summer,” and honestly, can we blame her?
In short, mark your calendars, because Erivo’s taken on Jesus is sure to be a heavenly experience we won’t want to miss!
Sources: Celebrity Storm Wire and Entertainment Weekly, People Magazine, Variety
