Wicked star Cynthia Erivo was cast as Jesus Christ in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Jesus Christ Superstar for a limited-run performance at the famed Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles set to run August 1-3.
Erivo is no stranger to the musical. In 2020, she played Mary Magdalene in the all-female concept album version, Jesus Christ Superstar: She Is Risen, and sang the iconic ballad, "I Don't Know How to Love Him."
The 38-year-old subtly spilled the beans about her upcoming performance via Instagram, writing:
"Just a little busy this summer, can't wait."
Erivo, who was born in London to Nigerian immigrant parents, makes history as the first woman ever to lead a production of the rock opera loosely based on the Gospels' accounts of the Passion and the final days of Jesus.
The Academy Award-nominated actor, who is currently being recognized for portraying Elphaba in Jon M. Chu's two-part film adaptation of the musical Wicked, also happens to be a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community.
And...cue the outcry from Christian conservatives.
The religious MAGA mob cited "blasphemy" in response to news of Erivo's casting as the central figure of Christianity.
What's the buzz, you say?
We'll tell you what's a-happening.
Here are some of the toxic grumblings on the Hollywood Bowl's Instagram post.
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The pearl-clutching continued on X (formerly Twitter).
Social media users told the complainers to chill.
Fans are absolutely in favor of this announcement.
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@hollywoodbowl/Instagram
More casting announcements for the limited engagement are expected at a later date.
The show will be directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Sergio Trujillo, while Tony winner Stephen Oremus will serve as musical director and conductor.
Jesus Christ Superstar marks the venue's return to summer musicals after a long hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Los Angeles Philharmonic Association President and CEO Kim Noltemy told the LA Times:
"We missed the musicals for a few years, and I think that one is a good one to return with."
The summer season lineup at the Hollywood Bowl is set to include special performances from Diana Ross, Hugh Jackman, Cyndi Lauper, and John Legend, the latter of whom also starred as Jesus Christ in Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert on NBC in April 2018.
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