Cynthia Erivo Defends 'Jesus Christ Superstar' Role Amidst Backlash

Cynthia Erivo Responds to Backlash Over 'Jesus Christ Superstar' Role The casting of Cynthia Erivo as Jesus in a recent production of "Jesus Christ Superstar" has sparked a heated debate. Some viewers expressed outrage, deeming the casting of a Black queer woman as blasphemous. However, Erivo has responded to the criticism with grace and humor. In an interview with Billboard, she stated, “You can’t please everyone. It is legitimately a three-day performance at the Hollywood Bowl where I get to sing my face off.” The controversy is not entirely new. The original 1971 Broadway production faced similar protests from Christian groups. Ted Neely, who played Jesus in the 1973 film adaptation, recalls the nightly protests outside the theater. He even recounted hearing protestors ask, "Why we’re protesting? ‘Jesus Christ Superstar,’ that alone is terrible. Jesus sings, Jesus didn’t sing." This highlights the inherent contentiousness of the musical's themes. Erivo's casting, however, is not unprecedented. She previously played Mary Magdalene in an all-female recording of the musical, and other actors of color and women have also taken on the role of Jesus. John Legend played the part in a 2018 live TV production. Erivo's performance at the Hollywood Bowl represents a continuation of this tradition of reinterpreting the role. Erivo's confident and lighthearted response to the criticism suggests a resilience in the face of adversity. Her performance promises to be a significant cultural moment, regardless of the controversy.

Los Angeles Times

Why 'Jesus Christ Superstar' at the Hollywood Bowl is 'the musical theater vers…

Cynthia Erivo and Adam Lambert will embody Jesus and Judas during a three-night engagement of the musical 'Jesus Christ Superstar' at the Hollywood B…