British actress and Grammy Award-winning singer Cynthia Erivo is set to make history as the first black woman to portray Jesus Christ in a major production of Jesus Christ Superstar.
The decision to cast Erivo, who came out as queer and bisexual in 2022, has ignited strong reactions from both critics and supporters.
Erivo, best known for her role as Elphaba in Wicked, will take on the iconic role in a special production at the Hollywood Bowl, running from 1st-3rd August, 2025.
While some have hailed the move as “bold” and “inspiring,” others have condemned it as “blasphemous” and a “mockery of Christ the King".
This is not Erivo’s first connection to the Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice rock opera. In 2020, she starred as Mary Magdalene in an all-female album recording of the musical titled She Is Risen.
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Article by Heather Preston
Heather Preston is a multimedia journalist for Premier.
