Cynthia Erivo Is Hollywood Bowl Jesus

Something has transfigured within Cynthia Erivo. Something is not the same. This summer, the Oscar-nominated actress will bide her time between Wickeds playing one of musical theater’s most important Christ figures this side of Elphaba Thropp, taking on the title role in Jesus Christ Superstar. Erivo’s anointment is part of the Hollywood Bowl’s 2025 summer slate of arts programming, which will also feature events like a Hugh Jackman opening-night gala and a tribute to Bugs Bunny.

This isn’t the first time that Erivo has participated in a gender-bent adaptation of the Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice musical; she sang the role of Mary Magdalene on the all-female She Is Risen concept albums, singing “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” on Volume I in 2017 and “Everything’s Alright” on Volume II in 2020.

No other casting news has been announced for the production, which will run August 1 through 3 in Los Angeles. But would an Ariana Grande Judas be too much to pray for? The whole role is basically “Can’t I make you understand, you’re having delusions of grandeur.” Or better yet: Maryana Magrandelene!

Related

• Ariana Grande Is Working on Boundaries
• Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo Are Sentimental Women