Cynthia Erivo to Star as Jesus in ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ at Hollywood Bowl

Award-winning actress and singer Cynthia Erivo is set to play Jesus in an upcoming production of Jesus Christ Superstar at the Hollywood Bowl this summer. Erivo announced the news on Instagram, expressing her excitement for the role. The production, featuring music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, will run from August 1 to August 3.

Erivo is no stranger to the musical, having previously portrayed Mary Magdalene in an all-female version of the show in 2020, where she performed the classic song “I Don’t Know How to Love Him.” The Hollywood Bowl production will be directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Sergio Trujillo, with Stephen Oremus as musical director and conductor.

The announcement comes during a significant moment in Erivo’s career, as she is currently nominated for Best Actress at the Academy Awards for her role as Elphaba in Wicked. Erivo is only the second Black woman to portray the character in a major production, following Alexia Khadime in the West End.

The full cast for Jesus Christ Superstar will be announced soon, as Erivo prepares to bring her powerhouse vocals and commanding stage presence to one of musical theater’s most iconic roles.

Source: Variety