An adversary presented as an ally
In the world of theatre, the opera "Jesus Christ Superstar" has been a staple since the late 1980s, with numerous productions across the country. However, the recent revival at the Hollywood Bowl in 2021 brought a significant shift, as Cynthia Erivo, a Black queer woman, portrayed Jesus in a groundbreaking performance.
While Erivo's casting was a first in the mainstream, it wasn't the first time women had taken on the role of Jesus in productions related to or inspired by "Jesus Christ Superstar." An all-female cast, featuring Morgan James as Jesus, was staged prior to 2025, indicating that women had been reinterpreting and retelling the Jesus story in theatrical settings for some time.
The use of rock music to tell the story of Jesus was revolutionary when the original opera premiered in 1971, with its power and depth comparable to that of Black Sabbath. The touring version of the opera made its debut at the Hollywood Bowl that same year.
In the new version of the opera, Cynthia Erivo's portrayal of Jesus focuses on internal struggles rather than the mission of Jesus. Her delivery of the aria "Gethsemane (I Only Want to Say)" emotionally connects with the audience. Adam Lambert, on the other hand, delivers a powerful performance as Judas Iscariot, praised for his rock frontman talent and acting abilities.
The casting of a woman as Jesus has sparked controversy, with some, like John K. Amuchie, a black pastor from North Carolina, calling it a conscious act of blasphemy. The political subtext of this provocation is apparent, as evidenced by Josh Gad's comment about power and civil rights. Social media is abuzz with accusations of blasphemy, sacrilege, and religious offense against Erivo and the team of the new "Jesus Christ Superstar."
Despite the controversy, Andrew Lloyd Webber, the composer of the opera, and Tim Rice, the librettist, have supported the new interpretation, praising the performances of Erivo and Lambert. Director and choreographer Sergio Trujillo deliberately provoked the audience with the casting of a black actress as Jesus, aiming to challenge traditional norms and reinterpret the story in a modern context.
Adam Lambert comments that the role of Jesus should transcend gender, focusing on the teachings, love, and connection to faith. Erivo, best known for her role in the film adaptation of the musical "The Color Purple," delivers a performance that is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.
Notable attendees at the 2021 premiere included Ted Neeley, who played Jesus in the famous film by Norman Jewison. The new version of Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical "Jesus Christ Superstar" continues to provoke, challenge, and inspire audiences, offering a fresh perspective on a classic opera.
References: 1. The Guardian 2. BroadwayWorld 3. Variety
The groundbreaking portrayal of Jesus by Cynthia Erivo in the musical "Jesus Christ Superstar" at the Hollywood Bowl in 2021 is not the first instance of women taking on the role of Jesus in productions related to the opera. In a prior performance, Morgan James portrayed Jesus in an all-female cast before 2025.
The use of music in "Jesus Christ Superstar," particularly the power and depth of rock music, has always been a key element of its appeal, being comparable to the likes of Black Sabbath when it premiered in 1971.
