Cynthia Erivo: Jesus Casting Controversy & Response
- cynthia Erivo is responding to criticism surrounding her casting as the lead in the Hollywood Bowl's upcoming production of "Jesus Christ Superstar." The announcement earlier this year sparked...
- In a recent interview with Billboard, Erivo addressed the negative reactions to a Black, queer woman taking on the iconic role in Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s...
- Erivo's casting was revealed in February for the Los Angeles production, scheduled to run from Aug.1-3.
Cynthia Erivo, the primary_keyword for this summerS “Jesus Christ Superstar” at the Hollywood Bowl, confronts criticism head-on. Erivo, a Black, queer woman, embraces the role, sparking both controversy and championing diversity. She defends her casting,highlighting the inclusive spirit of musical theater,declaring it “the gayest place on Earth.” The announcement faced conservative backlash, yet erivo’s response centers on the importance of artistic expression. Joining Erivo as Judas is Adam Lambert, adding further star power. News Directory 3 reports on the production’s key players, including the Tony Award-winning director and choreographer, Sergio Trujillo. with rehearsals underway, the question remains: will audiences embrace this fresh interpretation of the classic? Discover what’s next …
Cynthia Erivo Addresses ’Jesus Christ Superstar’ Casting Criticism
cynthia Erivo is responding to criticism surrounding her casting as the lead in the Hollywood Bowl’s upcoming production of “Jesus Christ Superstar.” The announcement earlier this year sparked some conservative backlash.
In a recent interview with Billboard, Erivo addressed the negative reactions to a Black, queer woman taking on the iconic role in Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s celebrated musical. She questioned the basis for the criticism, emphasizing the inclusive nature of musical theater.”Why not?” Erivo said.”You can’t please everyone.” She added that she hopes detractors will attend the performances and realize, “‘Oh, it’s a musical, the gayest place on Earth.'” Her casting highlights the themes of diversity and inclusion in musical theater, making this production of “Jesus Christ Superstar” particularly noteworthy.
Erivo’s casting was revealed in February for the Los Angeles production, scheduled to run from Aug.1-3. She has prior experience with the musical, having starred as Mary Magdalene in an all-female rendition in 2020, where she performed “I Don’t Know How to Love Him.”
Joining Erivo in “Jesus Christ Superstar,” Adam Lambert will portray Judas. Sergio Trujillo, a Tony Award winner, will direct and choreograph, while Stephen Oremus, also a Tony and Grammy winner, will conduct and serve as music director. The production is being produced in association with Neil Meron and Robert Greenblatt.
“Jesus Christ Superstar” originated as a concept album before its Broadway debut in 1971. Norman Jewison directed a film adaptation released in 1973. In 2018, John Legend starred as Jesus Christ in NBC’s “Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert” on easter Sunday, alongside Sara Bareilles as Mary Magdalene.
“It is indeed legitimately a three-day performance at the Hollywood Bowl where I get to sing my face off. So hopefully they will come and realize,‘Oh,it’s a musical,the gayest place on Earth.’”
What’s next
Rehearsals are underway for the August performances at the hollywood Bowl. Tickets are available through the venue’s website.