Cynthia Erivo’s portrayal of Jesus during the Hollywood Bowl has drawn harsh criticism from well-known author Solomon Buchi.
The Hollywood Bowl performance, which runs from August 1 to August 3, 2025, is a star-studded revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s rock opera that stars Cynthia Erivo as Jesus, Adam Lambert as Judas, Phillipa Soo as Mary Magdalene, and other notable performers.
Erivo’s choice has generated a lot of discussion and controversy, particularly from conservative and religious organizations who are against a woman playing Jesus.
In her own words, Erivo dismissed the criticism by characterizing the concert as a theatrical production rather than a religious statement.
She advised spectators to see it as performance art rather than dogma in interviews, emphasizing that it’s a musical and the gayest place on Earth.
Solomon Buchi apparently criticized the choice to have Cynthia Erivo play Jesus in the upcoming Jesus Christ Superstar staging at the Hollywood Bowl.
“I have a question. Why is it that everyone blaspheme against Christians faith, why?
“Because I bet you, they will never make a play of prophet Muhammed, they will never think about making a play of the Jews in a way that is not accurate, never.
“But Christianity is where they all want to display their stupidity. We don’t need you to portray Jesus in a play, if you are not portraying Jesus the right way.
“We don’t need you to portray Jesus in a play, if you are not portraying Him accurately. This is blasphemy. This is ridicule.
“Jesus was not a woman. I don’t know what the play is about, but it does not look right.”
