Cynthia Erivo is no stranger to the spotlight. From Broadway to Hollywood, she’s played a wide range of characters and sung her heart out on some of the world’s biggest stages. But her latest gig starring in Jesus Christ Superstar at the iconic Hollywood Bowl has sparked some chatter, especially among conservative audiences. Still, Cynthia isn’t losing sleep over it.
Talking to People, the Wicked star addressed the criticism head-on. “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 realize, ‘Oh, it’s a musical, the gayest place on Earth.’”
That’s Cynthia — always unapologetically herself and quick to remind us that, at the end of the day, theater is about bold choices and even bolder performances. Her casting in the production was announced earlier this year, sending waves of excitement through fans of the rock opera classic. Joining her in the all-star cast is Adam Lambert, who’ll take on the role of Judas.
The production is in solid hands, too, with Sergio Trujillo stepping in as both director and choreographer. The show is set to run for just three nights, from August 1 through August 3, making it one of the summer’s most anticipated events in Los Angeles. Despite the pushback from certain corners, the buzz around this production has only grown, with many eager to see how Erivo will bring her powerhouse vocals and emotional depth to the role.
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Beyond this latest role, Cynthia’s been opening up more about her personal journey as an artist. Reflecting on her experience in Wicked, she shared a vulnerable moment from the early stages of that performance. “I remember feeling so open and vulnerable when there was nothing there. I saw my face in the mirror with no hair at all,” she said.
That stripped-down image didn’t make her feel small, it made her feel powerful. “I thought I’d really like that. I like how open that is, I like how much of a black canvas it is, and I like that there’s nothing but my eyes,” she explained during a recent appearance at the Canva Create event held at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
Of course, this is the same Cynthia Erivo who’s always embraced her uniqueness, even as a kid experimenting with hairstyles. “I used to get my hair braided in different colors. To this day, there was one hair salad. I’m gonna get white and red braids. You couldn’t tell me that it wasn’t the best hairstyle I had ever done,” she joked. “I had a lot of hair when I was younger.”
Whether she’s tackling a groundbreaking musical role or sharing childhood memories, Cynthia continues to prove that she’s not here to conform or tone things down. She’s here to express herself fully, no matter who approves. And if anyone’s still unsure about her take on Jesus Christ Superstar, Cynthia has a simple suggestion — come see the show. It might just change your mind.