Cynthia Erivo To Play Jesus In ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ At Hollywood Bowl

Cynthia Erivo is stepping into the role of Jesus Christ for a limited run of Jesus Christ Superstar at the Hollywood Bowl this summer. The Tony-winning actress shared the news on Instagram, teasing her excitement for the production, which runs from August 1-3.

Erivo is no stranger to the Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice musical, having previously played Mary Magdalene in an all-female production in 2020. This latest staging will be directed and choreographed by Tony winner Sergio Trujillo, with Stephen Oremus as musical director. Additional casting details are yet to be announced.

Originally a concept album, Jesus Christ Superstar debuted on Broadway in 1971, chronicling the final days of Jesus’ life. It later became a 1973 film and was reimagined in NBC’s Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert in 2018, starring John Legend.

Erivo takes on this bold new role amid a career-defining moment. She’s currently nominated for an Oscar for her performance as Elphaba in Wicked and will reprise the role in Wicked: For Good, hitting theaters this November. Reflecting on her Wicked journey, she has called it a love letter to those who feel different or out of place—especially Black women navigating unwelcoming spaces.

With her powerhouse vocals and undeniable stage presence, Erivo’s take on Jesus Christ Superstar is sure to be a must-see event.