Musicals are returning after a long hiatus due to COVID. And, what a way to start! Cynthia Erivo has been named to play the role of “Jesus Christ” in the upcoming Hollywood Bowl blockbuster, “Jesus Christ Superstar.”

History

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s work, “Jesus Christ Superstar”, with lyrics by Tim Rice, began with an album in 1970 due to a lack of financing for the stage production. The music was so successful that Broadway debuted the show in 1971, and by 1980, the musical play had grossed more than $237 million worldwide.

Plot

The storyline of “Jesus Christ Superstar” represents a loose, secular interpretation of the final days leading up to the crucifixion of Christ. With no spoken dialogue, the plot involves the conflict between Jesus, his disciples, the Jews, and the Romans. There is a focus on His clash between Judas Iscariot, and His relationship with Mary Magdalene.

Biblical Failures

There are numerous points of departure from the Bible. In summary, Jesus is not considered divine but instead a man with good intentions who becomes overwhelmed by His fame and wants out. Christ decides the best solution is to die as a martyr. Judas is seen as the only one who understood Jesus and tries to help Him get out of His predicament.

From a Biblical perspective, Jesus was fully God and fully man. He died on the cross as our Savior and Lord, taking on the penalty of our sins so that believers could be seen as holy to a righteous God, and subsequently enter Heaven.

Who is Cynthia Erivo

Up until Wicked, one of her most notable roles was as Harriet Tubman (1822-1913), the abolitionist. The movie, “Harriet,” aired in 2019 and Erivo is quoted as saying the role was so challenging that, “The only thing I could do, really, to center myself was to pray.” This was during a scene when, according to AMBOTV…

“The broadway star, who is also a woman of faith and understood the weight of playing Tubman, recounted how she relied on prayer to get through one of the most poignant scenes of the film. The moment in the movie comes when Tubman is faced with the real possibility of failure during one of her first trips to rescue loved ones, and she prays to God asking for help.”

Ms. Erivo went on to say, ““I think the thing that happened as that was happening and throughout, was my faith got stronger…. “The idea that faith really can bring you through something. That was an intense ‘oh I get it now. I understand.’’”

A Queer Women Playing Jesus Christ

Details on the summer production of “Jesus Christ Superstar’, beginning August 1 of 2025, can be seen here. One can only wonder how a “woman of faith” can transition from a witch in “Wicked” to playing the leading male role in “Jesus Christ Superstar.”

To be clear, we are all sinners, believers and unbelievers alike. Further, the more lost one is the more believers should offer grace and love. However, it is also true that the broader one’s influence is on others, the more we will be held accountable for that influence. Wonder how poignant it will be for the audience as it looks on a queer woman hanging on the cross of Christ?

James 3:1 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.