“Oh, it’s a musical, the gayest place on Earth”
BY VEE WILSON, IMAGE TED2017_042717_2BH3706_1920 by TED Conference, CC BY-NC 2.0
Tony Award-winning actress and singer Cynthia Erivo is set to portray Jesus in a three-night production of Jesus Christ Superstar at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, running from 1–3 August 2025. This casting marks a significant moment in theatre, as Erivo, a queer Black woman, takes on the traditionally male role in Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s iconic rock opera.
The announcement has sparked both excitement and controversy. Conservative and religious critics are expressing discomfort with a woman, and particularly a queer Black woman, portraying Jesus. Erivo, however, has responded with characteristic poise and wit, laughing off the backlash. In an interview with Billboard, 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. So hopefully they will come and realize, ‘Oh, it’s a musical, the gayest place on Earth.'” She added that those making the comments do not understand the critical lens of the musical.
Joining Erivo on stage is fellow LGBTQIA+ artist Adam Lambert, who will play Judas. The production is directed and choreographed by the first-ever Latinx Tony Award-winner, Sergio Trujillo. Stephen Oremus, who is known for his work on The Book Of Mormon and Kinky Boots, will take on musical direction.
Erivo’s casting continues a tradition of diverse interpretations of Jesus Christ Superstar, a musical known for its provocative take on the final days of Jesus Christ. Previous productions have seen queer artists like Declan Bennett in the titular role.
This production will not only showcase Erivo’s remarkable talent but also represent a broader move toward inclusivity and representation in the arts.
Tickets for the limited-run performance are available now through the Hollywood Bowl’s official website.
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I Think Cynthia Erivo Is the G.O.A.T✝🦄🌈💖