Cynthia Erivo has surprised her followers by announcing her next professional challenge: she will play Jesus Christ in a new production of “Jesus Christ Superstar” which will be performed at the iconic Hollywood Bowl from August 1 to 3. The British actress and singer shared the news through her Instagram account.
With an enthusiastic message “Just a little busy this summer, can’t wait,” the actress surprised everyone in the entertainment world. It is not the first time Erivo has been involved in this classic musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. In 2020, she starred in an all-female version of the play in the role of Mary Magdalene.
Cynthia Erivo will be Jesus Christ in “Jesucristo Superstar”
Despite being familiar with the work, taking on the lead role represents a new and challenging turn in her career. The production at the Hollywood Bowl will feature direction and choreography by Tony Award winner Sergio Trujillo, while the musical direction will be led by Tony Award winner Stephen Oremus.
Although other cast members have not yet been announced, Erivo’s involvement is already generating high expectations among musical theater enthusiasts. “Jesucristo Superstar” debuted on Broadway in 1971 after initially being released as a concept album. The play narrates the last week of Jesus’s life from the perspective of Judas Iscariot.
His popularity expanded with the 1973 film adaptation and, more recently, with the live version broadcast by NBC in 2018, starring John Legend and Sara Bareilles. The announcement comes at a crucial time for Erivo’s career. Currently, the actress is nominated for an Oscar for Best Actress for her portrayal of Elphaba in the film adaptation of “Wicked.”
A year full of projects and challenges awaits Cynthia Erivo
Regarding her role in “Wicked,” Erivo has expressed her desire to inspire those who feel different or marginalized: “Espero que sea una carta de amor para todos aquellos que se han sentido fuera de lugar, especialmente para las mujeres negras que han ingresado en espacios donde no se han sentido bienvenidas.”
In addition to her performance in “Jesucristo Superstar,” Erivo will continue her work in the sequel “Wicked: For Good,” scheduled to be released in November under the production of Universal Pictures. Her 2025 promises to be a year of great challenges and achievements for the talented artist.