Cynthia Erivo to Play Jesus in Hollywood Bowl's Jesus Christ Superstar Production

Image credits: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

The Hollywood Bowl has announced that Cynthia Erivo will be playing the role of Jesus in their upcoming production of Jesus Christ Superstar, set to run from August 1-3. This decision has sparked a mix of reactions on social media, with some people expressing their support and admiration for Erivo's talent, while others have criticized the choice, calling it "blasphemous" and "disrespectful". Erivo, who is a highly acclaimed actress and singer, has previously starred as Mary Magdalene in an all-female concept album version of Jesus Christ Superstar, and has also been nominated for an Oscar for her role in the movie adaptation of Wicked.

The production of Jesus Christ Superstar will be directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Sergio Trujillo, and will feature a number of iconic songs, including Superstar, Gethsemane, and I Don't Know How to Love Him. The show will be part of a star-studded summer season at the Hollywood Bowl, which will also include performances by Diana Ross, Hugh Jackman, Cyndi Lauper, and John Legend. The decision to cast Erivo as Jesus has been met with a range of reactions, with some people praising her talent and the diversity that she brings to the role, while others have expressed their disappointment and outrage.

Some of the criticism of Erivo's casting has centered around the idea that Jesus should be played by a man, and that casting a woman in the role is somehow "blasphemous" or "disrespectful". However, others have argued that the decision to cast Erivo is a positive step towards greater diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry, and that it reflects the inclusive spirit of the musical. The production of Jesus Christ Superstar is set to be a major event, and will likely generate a lot of buzz and attention in the coming months.

The technical specifications of the production include a talented cast and crew, with Tony Award winner Stephen Oremus serving as musical director and conductor. The show will feature a range of iconic songs and performances, and will be a must-see event for fans of musical theater. Some of the key features of the production include: * A talented cast, including Cynthia Erivo as Jesus * A range of iconic songs, including Superstar, Gethsemane, and I Don't Know How to Love Him * Direction and choreography by Tony Award winner Sergio Trujillo * Musical direction and conduction by Tony Award winner Stephen Oremus * A star-studded summer season at the Hollywood Bowl, featuring performances by Diana Ross, Hugh Jackman, Cyndi Lauper, and John Legend

The production of Jesus Christ Superstar is set to be a major event, and will likely generate a lot of buzz and attention in the coming months. With its talented cast and crew, iconic songs, and inclusive spirit, it is sure to be a must-see event for fans of musical theater. As the entertainment industry continues to evolve and become more diverse, it will be interesting to see how productions like Jesus Christ Superstar contribute to this trend, and how they are received by audiences and critics alike.