Gender-Bending JESUS Casting SHOCKS Tennessee Evangelicals—Cynthia Erivo’s New Role!
Cynthia Erivo’s gender-bending casting as Jesus in an upcoming production of “Jesus Christ Superstar” stirs buzz among evangelicals in Tennessee. 🌐 #News #NashvilleTN #Tennessee #Faith
NASHVILLE, TN – Down in Hollywood, a choice is rattling the Bible Belt here in Tennessee. On Tuesday, the Hollywood Bowl dropped a casting bombshell: Cynthia Erivo, the acclaimed “Wicked” star, will step into the sandals of Jesus Christ for its upcoming “Jesus Christ Superstar” production. For an audience rooted in traditional values, this move is stirring up talk among Tennessee faithful as it flips the script on a figure central to their faith—blending racial and gender lines in a way that’s hard to ignore.
Erivo’s Big Reveal
Erivo, a Tony Award winner, took to Instagram to share the news with her followers.
“Just a little busy this summer,” she posted on Tuesday, adding, “Can’t wait!!”
The announcement marks her return to the iconic rock opera, but this time, she’s trading a supporting part for the lead role—Jesus himself.
The Show’s Legacy
“Jesus Christ Superstar,” penned by musical titan Andrew Lloyd Webber with lyrics from Tim Rice, dives into the final days of Jesus Christ. Told through the perspective of Judas Iscariot—the disciple who handed him over—the story tracks the lead-up to Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection.
It’s a tale evangelicals know by heart, now reimagined with a casting choice that challenges convention.
Production Details
Set to run August 1 through August 3, the Hollywood Bowl’s take on the classic will feature choreography and direction by Sergio Trujillo. Stephen Oremus steps in as musical director and conductor, ensuring the score hits all the right notes.
The venue, nestled in Los Angeles, California, promises a spectacle that’s already sparking conversation.
Erivo’s History with the Role
This isn’t Erivo’s first brush with “Jesus Christ Superstar.”
Back in 2020, she lent her voice to Mary Magdalene in an all-female concept album titled “Jesus Christ Superstar: She Is Risen.”
Now, moving from Magdalene to Messiah, her casting as a Black woman in this role adds a layer of complexity for viewers who hold tight to traditional imagery of Christ.
Summer Lineup at the Bowl
Beyond this headline-grabbing production, the Hollywood Bowl has a packed summer slate.
Expect “Jurassic Park Live in Concert” and “Jaws in Concert” with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Cyndi Lauper’s farewell performances, and a nod to Bugs Bunny’s 85th anniversary with “Bugs Bunny at the Symphony.”
But it’s Erivo’s Jesus that’s poised to dominate the chatter.
For a conservative, evangelical crowd, this casting taps into deeper questions about identity and representation—without changing the core of the story they cherish. The stage is set for a summer showdown in California. What do you think? Let us know in the comments section below because your opinion matters!
RELATED TOPICS: California | Celebs | Faith | Tennessee
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