Cynthia Erivo to Play Jesus in ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ at Hollywood Bowl

variety.com:

Jazz Tangcay Artisans Editor Cynthia Erivo is set to play Jesus Christ this summer in a production of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s “Jesus Christ Superstar” at the Hollywood Bowl.

Erivo shared the news via Instagram and wrote: “Just a little busy this Summer, can’t wait.” She’s no stranger to the show, having starred as Mary Magdalene in an all-female version of the hit musical in 2020 and sung the popular number “I Don’t Know How to Love Him.” Performances for “Jesus Christ Superstar” at the Hollywood Bowl will begin on Aug.

1 and run through Aug. 3. More casting will be announced at a later date. Tony Award winner Sergio Trujillo is serving as director and choreographer for the show, while Tony winner Stephen Oremus is set to serve as musical director and conductor. “Jesus Christ Superstar” was initially released as a concept album before it made its Broadway debut in 1971.

The musical revolves around the last week of Jesus’ life. A film adaptation directed by Norman Jewison opened in 1973. NBC aired “Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert” on Easter Sunday in 2018 with John Legend as Jesus Christ and Sara Bareilles as Mary Magdalene.