New Musical Sparks Fury With Reimagined Christ And Judas
Adam Lambert is set to take on the role of Judas Iscariot in this summer’s limited engagement of Jesus Christ Superstar at the Hollywood Bowl, as announced Monday via the venue’s official Instagram account.
The Grammy-nominated singer, who gained national attention as the runner-up on American Idol in 2009, will join the cast of the famed Andrew Lloyd Webber musical for a short run from August 1 to 3. Lambert recently made his theatrical debut on Broadway in a gender-bending role as the Emcee in Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club.
Kim Noltemy, President and CEO of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, praised the upcoming show in a press statement: “The Hollywood Bowl remains a signature destination for unforgettable live performances, and this season continues that tradition with a roster of incredible talent.”
Lambert, 43, has long been recognized not only for his powerful vocals but also for his advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. After coming out publicly post-Idol, he spoke about the challenges he faced early on, including backlash from a same-sex kiss during a live awards show performance. That controversy, he said, only strengthened his resolve to live openly and unapologetically.
In recent years, Lambert has shared that many young fans credit him with giving them the courage to embrace their identities. “I meet people all the time who tell me they saw me on TV when they were younger and that it helped them come out,” he shared in a 2023 interview.
The announcement of Lambert’s casting follows earlier headlines about Cynthia Erivo’s involvement in the musical. The acclaimed British actress and singer, known for her role in Wicked, was reportedly cast as Jesus. Erivo, who previously played Mary Magdalene in a 2020 all-female production of Jesus Christ Superstar, identifies as bisexual.
Erivo’s casting has not gone without criticism, especially from some religious voices. Pastor John K. Amanchukwu Sr. openly condemned the decision, calling it irreverent and expressing disapproval of Erivo’s identity and appearance.
Jesus Christ Superstar first began as a 1970 concept album created by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. It made its Broadway debut the following year, with a film version premiering in 1973. Known for its rock-opera style and controversial narrative choices, the musical presents the final days of Jesus’ life largely through Judas’ perspective.
The production has often sparked debate among Christian audiences, with critics citing its omission of the Resurrection and its unconventional portrayals of biblical figures as points of concern.
Despite the controversies, the show remains a staple of musical theater history, continuing to attract high-profile talent and provoke conversation more than 50 years after its debut.