The highly anticipated production of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s iconic rock opera, “Jesus Christ Superstar,” at the Hollywood Bowl ignited fervent discussion surrounding the groundbreaking casting of Cynthia Erivo as Jesus, a decision robustly championed by co-star Adam Lambert.

Erivo, a celebrated two-time Oscar nominee known for her powerful vocal performances and strong presence in musical theatre, faced immediate backlash upon the announcement of her portrayal, largely stemming from her identity as a Black queer woman. This ignited a wider discourse on traditional interpretations versus modern artistic expression within Broadway and beyond.

Adam Lambert, the acclaimed artist who starred alongside Erivo as Judas in the August performances at the Hollywood Bowl, vehemently disagreed with the criticism, expressing profound admiration for Erivo’s talent. He openly admitted his excitement for the artistic challenge presented by this unconventional casting choice.

Lambert lauded Erivo’s exceptional artistry, stating, “Cynthia’s brilliant. Her voice, presence, and simultaneous power and vulnerability absolutely blows my mind, and working with her has been a dream.” This personal endorsement highlighted the artistic merit behind the diversity in casting.

Furthermore, Lambert underscored his intention to encourage audience members to broaden their perspectives on theatrical roles. He expressed enthusiasm for presenting a production led by a female, Black ‘Jesus,’ advocating for an expansion of traditional theatrical boundaries within the realm of musical theatre.

Reflecting on the essence of “Jesus Christ Superstar,” Lambert emphasized the musical’s foundational purpose: to provoke and challenge. He noted that the original rock and roll roots of the show were designed to be confrontational, suggesting the current casting aligns with this ethos of artistic interpretation.

A central point of Lambert’s argument revolved around the universality of the musical’s core themes and the teachings of Jesus. He posed a poignant rhetorical question, “And shouldn’t the teachings of Jesus transcend gender?” This statement powerfully underscored the artistic and thematic validity of Erivo’s casting.

This recent interview reiterated Lambert’s consistent support for Cynthia Erivo, as Erivo herself had previously addressed the controversy surrounding her casting in a June interview, signaling an ongoing dialogue within the entertainment industry about diversity and representation in Broadway and beyond.

The collaboration between Adam Lambert and Cynthia Erivo at the Hollywood Bowl served not only as a powerful theatrical event but also as a significant cultural statement, reinforcing the ongoing push for more inclusive and thought-provoking interpretations in live performance and musical theatre.