Late-night host and self-described Roman Catholic Stephen Colbert has voiced his support for Cynthia Erivo portraying a female Jesus in the upcoming Hollywood Bowl production of Jesus Christ Superstar, calling the casting “long overdue.”
During an interview last week on The Late Show, Stephen Colbert welcomed Erivo, who will take on the lead role as a female Jesys in Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s rock opera this August in Los Angeles. The performance is set to run from August 1st through August 3rd at the Hollywood Bowl.
Cynthia Erivo in an interview – YouTube, CBS Sunday Morning
“One of my favorite musicals of all time is Jesus Christ Superstar,” Colbert told the British actress. “I love that — and I’m so excited that in August, you’re going to be playing Jesus… First woman to play Jesus in a major production. Long overdue. I’ve said for years I’d love to see a woman in that part.”
Erivo, who identifies as bisexual, said the casting is deeply meaningful.
“I think the idea that I can play this role, and I’ve been given the opportunity to play it in front of so many people at that place [at] this time of my life is a very special thing,” she told Colbert. “It’s the first time I’ve been on stage in that way for a long time, so to do it with this role is awesome.”
Colbert acknowledged the demanding nature of the part, calling it “an incredibly demanding role,” and complimented Erivo’s vocal range and theatrical presence.
Stephen Colbert dances around with human vaccine needles – YouTube, The Late Show With Stephen Colbert
The actress previously portrayed Mary Magdalene in an all-female version of Jesus Christ Superstar in 2020. Erivo also co-hosted the Tony Awards on Sunday in New York City, drawing attention for a variety of red carpet looks.
The production has already drawn pushback from Christian leaders. Pastor John K. Amanchukwu Sr. criticized the casting as “blasphemy,” adding that Erivo was “too bald, brown and bi[sexual]” to portray the religious figure. The statement gained traction online following the casting announcement.
Cynthia Erivo performing at a concert – YouTube, Capital Concerts
Jesus Christ Superstar has sparked religious debate since its inception. Originally released as a 1970 concept album, the musical presents a dramatized final week in the life of Jesus from the perspective of Judas Iscariot, often portraying Judas the betrayer in a sympathetic light. The original Broadway production debuted in 1971, and a film adaptation followed in 1973. The musical notably omits a depiction of the Resurrection, which has been a recurring point of controversy among Christian audiences.
In the Hollywood Bowl production, singer Adam Lambert will play Judas. Lambert, who rose to fame during the 2009 season of American Idol, has also been a headline name in the music industry as the lead vocalist for Queen.
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande sing at the Oscars – YouTube, Oscars
Colbert’s interview with Erivo came a day after he used his monologue to criticize the Trump administration for not recognizing Pride Month with an official statement.
How do you feel about Stephen Colbert praising Cynthia Erivo as a female Jesus? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
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It’s also about time that the tonight show had a funny host, I already moved on from waiting.
Someone telling Erivo (and a few others) that bald is not a good look on women is something that’s ACTUALLY long overdue…
Colbert sold his soul, he will say anything his masters tell him to.