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Cynthia Erivo is cast to play the role as Jesus in “Jesus Christ Superstar” at the Hollywood Bowl this summer.
Erivo announced the news on Instagram, writing: “Just a little busy this summer, can’t wait.”
Cynthia previously 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.”
“Jesus Christ Superstar” at the Hollywood Bowl will begin on Aug. 1 and run through Aug. 3.
The responses to Cynthia’s announcement were mixed.
One IG follower wrote: “Crazy how your gonna disrespect Jesus Christ but never disrespect any other religion.”
Another follower wrote: “DISGUSTING. A little fame and you sold your soul quite easily.”
However, users on Reddit.com, a liberal forum social network, were thrilled at the news that a Black lesbian woman will play Jesus.
One person wrote: “The conservatives won’t like it, that makes me smile. Excellent choice!”
Another person wrote: “Oh this is inspired casting. I can’t wait for the meltdowns that this is going to cause.”
A third person commented: “I don’t really like changes like this when the change doesn’t add much of anything to the story.”
“Jesus Christ Superstar” was initially released as a concept album. The success of the album inspired a rock opera on Broadway with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice.
The plot is centered on Judas, one of the Twelve Apostles, who is concerned with the way Jesus is leading his disciples.
The Broadway musical grossed more than $237 million worldwide by 1980.
