LGBT reps in U.S. to play in Jesus Christ Superstar rock opera
Famous gay singer Adam Lambert and bisexual actress Cynthia Erivo will take on the leading roles in the controversial production of Jesus Christ Superstar.
In the summer of 2025, the iconic rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar will be staged at the Hollywood Bowl, featuring LGBT community representatives in the main roles, according to Christianpost. Adam Lambert, a well-known singer and former American Idol contestant, will play Judas Iscariot, while bisexual British actress Cynthia Erivo will portray Jesus Christ.
The production is scheduled to run at the Hollywood Bowl from August 1 to 3, 2025. The show will be fully produced and directed by Tony Award winner Sergio Trujillo, with Stephen Oremus serving as the musical director.
As Variety notes, this unusual gender-neutral casting has garnered significant attention, and tickets for the show are expected to sell out quickly. Erivo's casting as Jesus has already sparked criticism from some religious figures who have called it "blasphemous."
Jesus Christ Superstar is a cult classic that explores the biblical depiction of the last week of Jesus Christ's life through the eyes of his betrayer, Judas Iscariot. The story, told entirely through song, delves into the personal relationships and struggles between Jesus, Judas, Mary Magdalene, Jesus' disciples, and the Roman Empire.
The original rock opera was created in 1970 as a concept album with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, debuting on Broadway in 1971.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that in Edinburgh, a production of Jesus Christ Superstar featured non-binary actress Rosa Stevenson as Jesus Christ and a woman in the role of Judas.
