Adam Lambert Says ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ Is Supposed to ‘Provoke and Challenge,’ Defends Cynthia Erivo’s Casting: ‘Encourage the Audience to Expand Their Minds’

Adam Lambert is standing up for his “Jesus Christ Superstar” co-lead Cynthia Erivo.

In an interview with Billboard, Lambert, who plays Judas opposite Erivo’s Jesus in the production of “Jesus Christ Superstar” at The Hollywood Bowl, said he is “excited” to present a depiction of Christ played by a “female, Black” actress. Erivo’s casting has received some pushback from circles who think the holy titular role shouldn’t be played by a queer woman of color.

“Cynthia’s brilliant,” Lambert said. “Her voice, presence, and simultaneous power and vulnerability absolutely blows my mind and working with her has been a dream. I’m excited by the challenge of presenting the audience with a production led by a female, Black ‘Jesus’ and encourage the audience to expand their minds a bit. Originally utilizing rock and roll, ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ is supposed to provoke and challenge, that’s the point. And shouldn’t the teachings of Jesus transcend gender?”

During her own Billboard interview in June, Erivo laughed off the negativity surrounding her casting.

“Why not?” Erivo said. “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.'”

Other cast members include Milo Manheim, Raúl Esparza and Phillipa Soo. Josh Gad was slated to join the cast, but dropped out at the last minute due to a complication with COVID. John Stamos filled his spot.

The three-night event, taking place Aug. 1 through Aug. 3, is directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Sergio Trujillo. The show will be conducted and music-directed by Tony and Grammy winner Stephen Oremus.