At the Hollywood Bowl, Jesus Christ Superstar shed its familiar skin. Cynthia Erivo’s portrayal of Jesus was arresting - vocally commanding yet layered with a striking vulnerability. Her phrasing made well-worn lyrics feel urgent and newly relevant, and her presence anchored the production in both gravitas and humanity.

Adam Lambert’s Judas was equally magnetic, his rock-inflected vocals biting yet emotive, lending the betrayal a modern edge. The chemistry between the two was palpable, turning their duets into high-voltage exchanges rather than static set pieces. The staging leaned into simplicity, letting the performances drive the drama – and the audience responded with powerful ovations.

Cast Overview

Cynthia Erivo (Jesus) - Tony and Grammy Award winner, two-time Oscar nominee, and soon to star in Wicked: For Good. Her performance brought a fearless reinterpretation to one of musical theatre’s most iconic roles.
Adam Lambert (Judas) - Known for American Idol and fronting Queen, Lambert delivered a vocally explosive and emotionally nuanced Judas.
Supporting Ensemble - A powerful chorus and tight band delivered Lloyd Webber’s rock score with muscular precision, amplifying the show’s rebellious spirit.

Why It Matters
This wasn’t simply a casting decision - it was a statement. By placing a Black queer woman at the centre of one of the most recognisable roles in musical theatre, the production challenged long-standing assumptions about who gets to embody sacred or historic figures. Lambert’s public defence of Erivo reframed the conversation from controversy to creative provocation.

For brands and cultural institutions, the lesson is clear: audiences are increasingly open to reinterpretations that prioritise inclusivity and fresh perspective. While backlash is inevitable when reimagining tradition, strong artistic vision and vocal allyship can turn potential criticism into cultural capital.