Cynthia Erivo Debuts as Jesus in Hollywood Bowl’s ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ as Co-Star Adam Lambert Defends Controversial Casting

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The August 1-3, 2025 run of “Jesus Christ Superstar” at the Hollywood Bowl has sparked intense discussions on social media and among conservatives. Cynthia Erivo, an award-winning actress famous for her roles in “The Color Purple” and “Wicked,” takes on the role of Jesus Christ in this rock opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice.

This is supposed to be Jesus Christ superstar not bride of Frankenstein

— Karli Bonne’ 🇺🇸 (@KarluskaP) August 2, 2025

2025 saw a controversial decision made regarding casting, which sparked strong backlash from several Christian communities. They find it offensive that the character traditionally portrayed as the Messiah is being reimagined by altering race and gender under the pretense of promoting inclusivity, a move they perceive as disregardful towards their religious beliefs.

Background on the Production

Originally debuting as a concept album in 1970 and later gracing Broadway stages in 1971, “Jesus Christ Superstar” offers a fresh perspective by depicting Jesus’ final week through the lens of rock music, primarily focusing on the viewpoints of characters such as Judas.

Cynthia Erivo as Jesus in JCS. words don’t quite do justice to how brilliant this truly is

— sasha 🫧 (@CANDYN3CKLCE) August 2, 2025

The Hollywood Bowl performance, orchestrated by Tony award-winner Sergio Trujillo and led by Stephen Oremus, showcases an illustrious ensemble with Adam Lambert portraying Judas, Phillipa Soo taking on Mary Magdalene, Milo Manheim playing Peter, Raúl Esparza assuming the role of Pontius Pilate, and John Stamos stepping into the position of King Herod following Josh Gad’s withdrawal due to illness.

As a supporter, I’m thrilled to share that my selection as Jesus was deliberately chosen by the producers, showcasing my powerful voice and stardom. In an early article about this production, the Hollywood Bowl’s artistic director singled me out, stating that I stood atop the list for this role, which in turn drew the rest of the ensemble to follow suit.

The Backlash: Accusations of Blasphemy and Disrespect

Ever since it was announced that Cynthia Erivo would play the role, there has been a substantial amount of criticism online, mainly from traditional and religious critics who believe that portraying Jesus as a Black, gay woman contradicts the historical and spiritual essence of the character. Critics have branded this choice as “blasphemous” and “an abomination,” with some drawing comparisons to other provocative representations of religious figures.

Hollywood just cast Cynthia Erivo as Jesus…
and Adam Lambert as Judas.

⸻
This isn’t “progress.”
This is desecration.

⸻
Every year they push it further:
Drag church.
Gay nativity.
Satan shoes.
Now this?

⸻
It’s not art.
It’s an attack.
A slow-burn war on faith, decency, and…

— Lucien Wolfe (@LucienWolfe111) August 2, 2025

In the case of X, posts from users like @its_The_Dr and @LucienWolfe111 have gained significant attention, criticizing the production as part of an ongoing “assault” on faith and custom. A popular video clip featuring Erivo and Lambert’s performance has sparked comments such as “desecration” and references to previous disputes. Media outlets reported a pastor’s statement labeling it “blasphemy” for a gay Black woman to portray Jesus, leading to petitions and calls for boycotts.

What would you rate, on a scale of 1 to 100, the controversy surrounding the casting of Cynthia Erivo as Jesus in the upcoming Jesus Christ Superstar performance at the Hollywood Bowl?

— Johnny Midnight ⚡️ (@its_The_Dr) May 12, 2025

Back in June 2025, my admiration for Cynthia Erivo intensified as I followed the buzz surrounding her response to the criticism she faced. The media coverage resonated with earlier sentiments, reporting on the stir that her address created.

Traditional news outlets pointed out the offended feelings among many Christians, stressing that the character’s gender and ethnicity change disregards the biblical narrative.

Responses from Erivo, Adam Lambert, and Supporters

Erivo has addressed the controversy multiple times, maintaining a lighthearted yet firm stance.

During an interview with Billboard in June 2025, she expressed, “Why not? It’s impossible to please everyone. The event I’m performing at Hollywood Bowl for three days is a chance for me to really belt out my songs. So I hope they attend and understand, ‘Ah, this is a musical, the most musically-inclined place on Earth.’

She highlighted the dramatic aspect of the performance, making it clear that it was not a direct representation of religious beliefs.

Cynthia Erivo during the crucifixion scene in Jesus Christ Superstar…😳

— Steph Anie (@mynerdyhome) August 3, 2025

Adam Lambert, taking on the role of Judas, commended the casting choice for Cynthia, expressing his awe over her exceptional vocal abilities, captivating presence, and the way she combines strength and vulnerability. He’s thrilled by the opportunity to be part of a production that features a female, Black actor portraying Jesus. He invites the audience to broaden their perspectives and anticipates the unique experience this casting brings. He notes that the original rock and roll version of Jesus Christ Superstar aims to provoke and challenge, which aligns with its purpose. He also emphasizes that the teachings of Jesus should transcend gender.

Advocates, such as theater lovers and progressive speakers, have highlighted the musical’s past practice of inclusive casting. Previous performances showcased John Legend portraying Jesus in a 2018 NBC live telecast, as well as multiple gender-neutral roles.

Broader Cultural Context

On different occasions, the musical “Jesus Christ Superstar” has sparked discussions; during its first 1971 Broadway performance, it encountered protests due to its depiction of human-like portrayals of Jesus and Judas. The current controversy aligns with broader cultural discussions revolving around representation, faith, and artistic expression. Some individuals view the selection of Cynthia Erivo as Jesus Christ as either an appropriation or a mockery of Christian beliefs.

As the final performance approaches on August 3rd, the production remains a flashpoint.

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2025-08-03 14:58