Dannyka Manangan

ICYMI: Cynthia Erivo played the role of Jesus Christ in ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’

Article (news)

Alyana De Guzman

Push Team

<p>Acclaimed actress and singer Cynthia Erivo stepped into the role of Jesus Christ in the Hollywood Bowl’s staging of<em> Jesus Christ Superstar</em>, a well-known musical that has long explored themes of faith through music. </p><p>According to Hollywood Bowl, <em>Jesus Christ Superstar</em> 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. The story, told entirely through song, explores the personal relationships and struggles between Jesus, Judas, Mary Magdalene, Jesus’s disciples, his followers, and the Roman Empire.” </p><div><br/></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/celebrities/2025/2/20/-wicked-star-cynthia-erivo-joins-cast-of-jesus-christ-superstar-1402"><strong>READ: ‘Wicked’ star Cynthia Erivo joins cast of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’</strong></a></div><div><br/></div><p>The three-night run in August 2025 drew attention not only for its sold-out performances but also for its reinterpretation of a familiar story.  </p><p>Cynthia, known to many for her portrayal of Elphaba Thropp in <em>Wicked</em>, brought her own interpretation to the role. Her casting marked a departure from tradition, as the character has often been portrayed by male performers in past productions. Among those who previously took on the role was John Legend in the 2018 NBC production.  </p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-0" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DM8kSNhvFMF/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=768&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A241481.5%2C%22ls%22%3A241043%2C%22le%22%3A241059.30000000075%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="548" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-0" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div> </div><div><br/></div><p>At the time, her performance prompted a range of responses online. Many supporters praised her for embracing a bold and unconventional role, while some critics questioned the casting choice. Discussions surrounding the production reflected broader conversations about representation and artistic interpretation in theater. </p><p>Cynthia addressed the reactions in an interview with Billboard, emphasizing her focus on the performance itself. </p><p>“Why not?” she said. “You can’t please everyone. It is legitimately a three-day performance at the Hollywood Bowl where I get to sing my face off.” </p><p>Her co-star Adam Lambert, who portrayed Judas, also expressed his support, highlighting Cynthia’s artistry and the intent of the musical to challenge audiences. </p><div><br/></div><blockquote cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@adamlambert/video/7534043527601261855" class="tiktok-embed" data-video-id="7534043527601261855" id="v14030599991040238" style="max-width:605px;min-width:325px"><iframe name="__tt_embed__v14030599991040238" sandbox="allow-popups allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox allow-scripts allow-top-navigation allow-same-origin" src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed/v2/7534043527601261855?lang=en-US&amp;referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com%2F%23%2Fworkspace%2Fmonitoring%3Fitem%3Durn%3Anewsml%3Aod2-workbench-api.abs-cbn.com%3A2026-03-25T05%3A33%3A54.102860%3Affd441f3-5045-460a-84c2-02f64ceec3dd%26action%3Dedit" style="width:100%;height:725px;display:block;visibility:unset"></iframe></blockquote><script async="" src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>“Cynthia’s brilliant. Her voice, presence, and simultaneous power and vulnerability absolutely blows my mind and working with her has been a dream,” Adam told Billboard. “I’m excited by the challenge of presenting the audience with a production led by a female, Black ‘Jesus’ and encourage the audience to expand their minds a bit. Originally utilizing rock and roll, <em>Jesus Christ Superstar</em> is supposed to provoke and challenge, that’s the point. And shouldn’t the teachings of Jesus transcend gender?” </p><p>The Hollywood Bowl staging was not Cynthia’s first connection to the musical. She previously appeared as Mary Magdalene in the 2020 version, making her return to the production a continuation of her engagement with its material. </p><p>Since its debut in 1971, <em>Jesus Christ Superstar</em> has often sparked discussion among religious groups and theatergoers alike. While some have found elements of the rock opera provocative, others have embraced it as a meaningful artistic exploration of a widely known biblical narrative. Over the years, it has remained popular with diverse audiences and has inspired multiple stage revivals.</p>

<p>Cynthia Erivo portrayed Jesus Christ in the Hollywood Bowl staging of 'Jesus Christ Superstar' in 2025. </p>

Cynthia Erivo portrayed Jesus Christ in the Hollywood Bowl staging of 'Jesus Christ Superstar' in 2025.