Cynthia Erivo Responds to Criticism Over Casting in Jesus Christ Superstar
Cynthia Erivo, known for her role in Jesus Christ Superstar, recently addressed her critics, saying, “It’s a musical and the most gay place on the planet.” This response comes ahead of the new productions of the show at the Hollywood Bowl this August, where she stars as Jesus. Some critics have gone so far as to describe her casting as “blasphemous.”
During a recent interview with Billboard, Erivo laughed off the backlash, emphasizing the importance of humor and creativity in the arts, which often seems to sidestep more serious reactions towards criticism of other religions. “Hopefully they’ll come and realize, ‘Oh, that’s a musical, the most gay place on the planet,'” she said.
When asked about the appropriateness of women portraying Jesus, Erivo simply shrugged and responded, “Why not?” She remarked that perhaps critics need to adjust their perspectives on the works of Andrew Lloyd Webber.
“We can’t please everyone,” she acknowledged, reflecting on the challenge of performing at the Hollywood Bowl, where the energy is vibrant and the audiences are lively.
Stephen Daw from Billboard, who interviewed Erivo, also defended her casting, suggesting that those who voiced outrage were merely “voice minorities.” He expressed concern regarding how the Trump administration has impacted the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals.
The political landscape remains contentious, especially after President Trump’s recent re-election during which he declared that the government would recognize only “men and women.” Erivo mentioned her desire to contribute positively to this situation, admitting she feels unease when confronting any issues related to the Kennedy Center.
“I don’t know who’s going to get what from that. I hope it comes back,” she said wistfully, referring to the Kennedy Center’s role as a cultural hub for creativity, art, and music for everyone.
Recently, the Kennedy Center launched a project featuring Angel Studios’ animated film King of Kings, which humorously depicts Jesus throughout his life. However, this project faced cancellation following a week dedicated to celebrating LGBTQ+ rights ahead of the World Pride Festival in Washington, DC.
