Cynthia Erivo Cast As Jesus Christ In ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’
Cynthia Erivo will be walking on water as Jesus Christ this summer. The actress took to Instagram on Tuesday (Feb. 18), resharing a post by Broadway World, revealing her brand new role in Jesus Christ Superstar premiering at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.
“Just a little busy this summer, can’t wait,” Erivo typed in her IG Story.
The play will be based on Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s original 1971 production, which began as a concept album in 1970 before hitting the theater stage. Jesus Christ Superstar is loosely based on the Gospel’s narratives during the Passion of Jesus and told from the story centered on Judas Iscariot. Superstar finds Judas grappling and unimpressed with Jesus’ leadership involving his disciples, with a modern twist coming in the form of slang, culture, and more.
The 2025 production of Jesus Christ Superstar is set to premiere at the Hollywood Bowl beginning on Friday (Aug. 1) and running until Sunday (Aug. 3). Sergio Trujillo, a Tony Award winner, will be serving as the director and choreographer for the production with Stephe Oremus being tapped to serve as conductor and music director. Variety reports that more castings for the show will be announced at “a later date.”
Elsewhere, the London entertainer recently spoke to Essence about what she looks for in a potential role for their Black Women in Hollywood issue. The 38-year-old detailed that she often searches for characters who have nuance to their existence, as most real humans exist. Cynthia used her critically acclaimed role in Wicked as an example, saying, “I tend to pick roles that give me the chance to get at the center of who the characters are. I think when you look at a character like Elphaba, there might be the temptation to just play her as the villain, but I always look for the layers.”
