‘Wicked’ star Cynthia Erivo to play Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar

Cynthia Erivo has been chosen to portray Jesus Christ in the production of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice.

According to ‘Gay Times’, the show will run at the Hollywood Bowl from August 1 to August 3, with Sergio Trujillo, a Tony Award recipient, directing and choreographing. Tony winner Stephen Oremus will take the role of musical director and conductor.

Erivo, who took on the role of Mary Magdalene in an all-female rendition in 2020, expressed her excitement on Instagram saying: “Just a little busy this summer, can’t wait.”

‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ initially came out as a concept album in 1970, achieving significant popularity that led to its debut on Broadway in 1971. It later had a remarkable eight-year stint in London from 1972 to 1980, making it the longest-running West End musical at that time until ‘Cats’ surpassed it in 1989.

The rock opera centres on the final weeks of Jesus Christ’s life, covering events from his entry into Jerusalem to his crucifixion. It highlights Judas’s doubts and conflicts about Jesus’ growing fame and his internal struggle with his decision to betray him.

Broadway World’s announcement of Erivo’s casting received enthusiasm from stage icons like Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Samantha Pauly, and fellow ‘Wicked’ alum Kristen Chenoweth.

Presently, Erivo is in the running for Best Actress at the 97th Academy Awards due to her portrayal of Elphaba in Jon M. Chu’s acclaimed adaptation of ‘Wicked’. A victory would make her the youngest person to achieve EGOT status (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony).

The musical fantasy has secured nine more nominations, including Best Picture and Best Supporting Actress for Ariana Grande, who followed Chenoweth as Glinda.

Wicked’s sequel, titled For Good, is scheduled to be released on November 21. The film will feature the return of Erivo and Grande along with Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, Ethan Slater as Boq Woodsman, Marissa Bode as Nessarose Thropp, Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, and Jeff Goldblum as The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.