Cynthia Erivo to play Jesus Christ in 'Jesus Christ Superstar' musical
After playing the Wicked Witch of the West, Cynthia Erivo is set to transform into another figure this time as Jesus Christ in the upcoming adaptation of rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar by Hollywood Bowl.
The actress shared the news on her Instagram account, saying that she has been cast as Jesus in the musical originally created by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber.
She also announced her new project on her Instagram stories, teasing that she would be "just a little busy this summer" and that she "can't wait" for the premiere of the musical.
According to the website of Hollywood Bowl, Jesus Christ Superstar 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."
Told entirely through song, the story focuses on the "personal relationships and struggles between Jesus, Judas, Mary Magdalene, Jesus’ disciples, his followers and the Roman Empire."
The upcoming adaptation promises to return to promises to return to its "rock roots," with Tony Award winner Sergio Trujillo serving as director and choreographer, and Tony winner Stephen Oremus as musical director and conductor.
The musical will be staged from Aug. 1 to 3 at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, California later this year, with tickets ranging from $400 (PhP23,241) to $1,270 (PhP73,790) depending on the seats.
While additional actors have yet to be announced, the production teases that it will have an "all-star cast."
This is not the first time that Erivo has been a part of Jesus Christ Superstar. She previously portrayed Mary Magdalene in the all-female concept album Jesus Christ Superstar: She Is Risen in 2020.
The musical was initially released as a concept album before it received much attention and success, leading to become a full Broadway show in 1971. Some well-known numbers include Superstar, I Don’t Know How to Love Him, and Gethsemane.
Erivo's new project comes after her acclaimed performance as Elphaba in the 2024 musical fantasy film Wicked, which is a reimagining of The Wizard of Oz story. She received nominations at the Academy Awards and the Golden Globes for her performance.
