Cynthia Erivo defends her casting as Jesus in ‘the gayest place on Earth’
Some previously said her playing Jesus was 'blasphemous'.
Cynthia Erivo has shrugged off criticism after she was announced to be playing Jesus.
The 38-year-old British actress and singer is best known for playing Harriet Tubman in the movie Harriet, Aretha Franklin in the series Genius: Aretha and Elphaba in Wicked.
She has also starred in a string of theatre productions, including Sister Act, The Color Purple, and Gutenberg! The Musical!.
In February the 38-year-old was revealed to be playing Jesus Christ in the the Hollywood Bowl’s staging of Jesus Christ Superstar, which will have three performances in August.
However, the casting divided people, with some even going so far as to label it ‘blasphemous’.
A few months on, Cynthia has defended her casting in Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s musical.
The British actress will star in Jesus Christ Superstar at the Hollywood Bowl later this year (Picture: Doug Peters/ PA Wire) Her most notable role in recent years has been starring alongside Ariana Grande in Wicked (Picture: AP)Asked by Billboard about the backlash to a Black queer woman taking on the role, she declared: ‘Why not?’
‘You can’t please everyone. It is legitimately a three-day performance at the Hollywood Bowl where I get to sing my face off.
‘So hopefully they will come and realise, “Oh, it’s a musical, the gayest place on Earth”.’
When her casting was initially announced Cynthia was also met with support from fans who pointed out the musical had always featured a racially diverse cast, and they enjoyed watching people have a ‘meltdown’ over her casting.
Cynthia then shared: ‘Just a little busy this summer, can’t wait.’
Jesus Christ Superstar premiered in 1971 (Picture: Everett/ Rex/ Shutterstock)She previously starred as Mary Magdalene in an all-female version of the musical, which made its Broadway debut in 1971, in 2020.
The upcoming production will see Adam Lambert play Judas, with Tony Award winner Sergio Trujillo the director and choreographer.
Rice previously said he was looking forward to see this reimagining of his show.
‘I think a piece that is established, there’s no reason it can’t be done in lots of forms,’ he told LBC.
‘I think Cynthia, who is one of the best singers on the planet, will do a great version.’
Cynthia previously played Mary Magdalene in an all-female version of the musical (Picture:Bennett Raglin/ Getty Images for Black Women on Broadway)
A previous staging in 2018 – NBC’s Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert – saw John Legend play Jesus.
Since making her debut on the West End in 2011, Cynthia has gone on to win an Emmy, a Grammy, and a Tony Award, now being just one win away from securing the title of EGOT with an Oscar win.
Later this month Cynthia will host the Tony Awards, as well as release an album. Later this year she will also star in Wicked’s sequel – Wicked For Good.
Her next theatre show after Jesus Christ Superstar will be Frankenstein on the West End next year, in which she will play a jaw-dropping 23 roles.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
