From August 1–3, 2025, the legendary Hollywood Bowl hosted a spectacular, reimagined production of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar. This star-studded revival featured Cynthia Erivo as Jesus and Adam Lambert as Judas, creating one of the most talked-about theatrical events of the year.
A Bold Casting Choice
Casting Cynthia Erivo—an Oscar, Grammy, and Tony Award winner—as Jesus was a bold artistic decision that paid off in an unforgettable way. Known for her powerhouse vocals and emotional intensity, Erivo brought a fresh perspective to the role, blending vulnerability and strength in a performance that left audiences breathless.
Opposite her, Adam Lambert—international pop star and lead vocalist for Queen—took on the role of Judas. Lambert’s extraordinary vocal range and theatrical flair allowed him to portray Judas as both conflicted and charismatic, offering a deeply human portrayal of one of musical theatre’s most complex characters.
Musical Highlights
The production featured all the iconic numbers from the original score, reimagined with contemporary arrangements by musical director Stephen Oremus.
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“Heaven on Their Minds” – Lambert’s opening number as Judas was electric, setting the tone for the evening with soaring vocals and emotional urgency.
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“Gethsemane” – Erivo delivered a show-stopping rendition of this emotional centerpiece, earning a standing ovation that lasted well beyond the final note.
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“Superstar” – The climactic number brought the entire ensemble together in a high-energy, visually striking sequence that had the audience on its feet.
Creative Vision and Direction
Directed and choreographed by Sergio Trujillo, the Hollywood Bowl production balanced rock concert spectacle with intimate, character-driven storytelling. Modern costumes, dynamic lighting, and multimedia projections gave the show a contemporary edge while staying true to its 1970s rock-opera roots.
The open-air setting of the Hollywood Bowl added an epic dimension to the performance, with the music resonating through the summer night sky.
Audience and Critical Reaction
Critics hailed the production as “a bold and timely reimagining” of a classic. The Guardian praised Erivo’s “transcendent vocal performance” and Lambert’s “electrifying stage presence,” noting the palpable chemistry between the two leads.
Audiences took to social media to share video clips and photos, with many calling it the best live musical event they had ever attended.
The Legacy of This Production
This Jesus Christ Superstar revival at the Hollywood Bowl will be remembered not only for its star power but for the way it breathed new life into a beloved musical. Cynthia Erivo and Adam Lambert’s performances demonstrated that even after more than 50 years, the show’s themes of love, betrayal, and redemption still resonate deeply with audiences.
