Coming to the Bowl – “Jesus Christ Superstar”

More than 50 years since its debut, the rebellious spirit and iconic score of Jesus Christ Superstar still resonate. Cynthia Erivo and Adam Lambert are starring in a dazzling new revival of the powerful rock musical coming to the Hollywood Bowl this August for three consecutive nights.  Limited tickets remain!! Purchase tickets here.

The iconic rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar returns in a thrilling new production that electrifies the stage with raw power, musical brilliance, and a once-in-a-generation cast. Leading the company are Academy Award nominee and Grammy winner Cynthia Erivo as Jesus and international rock powerhouse Adam Lambert as Judas—two extraordinary performers redefining these legendary roles with heart, fire, and fearless intensity. (Erivo previously played Mary Magdalene in an all-female version of the musical.)

Joining the two leads are rising star Milo Manheim as a passionate and loyal Peter, and four-time Tony nominee Raúl Esparza bringing gravitas and complexity to the role of Pontius Pilate.

Under the visionary direction and choreography of Tony Award winner Sergio Trujillo and the musical leadership of Tony and Grammy winner Stephen Oremus, this production reclaims the explosive rock soul of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s groundbreaking score.

Bringing the world of ancient Jerusalem into stunning new focus are a team of top-tier theatrical artists: Jason Ardizzone-West (scenic design), Emilio Sosa (costumes), Peter Nigrini (projections), Tyler Lambert-Perkins and Tyler Glover (lighting), Jonathan Burke (sound), and Brandi Strona (hair and makeup), with casting by The Telsey Office. Produced in association with Neil Meron and Robert Greenblatt, this is Jesus Christ Superstar like you’ve never seen—or heard—before.

A global phenomenon since its debut as a concept album, Jesus Christ Superstar is a visceral and thought-provoking reimagining of the final days of Jesus Christ, told entirely through music from the perspective of his betrayer, Judas Iscariot. With beloved hits like “Superstar,” “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” and “Gethsemane,” this production delivers both epic spectacle and emotional intimacy, reigniting the passion of one of the most influential rock musicals ever created.

Backstory:

When Jesus Christ Superstar first hit shelves in September 1970, it wasn’t a stage spectacle or a film—it was a bold, genre-defying concept album that dared to reimagine the final days of Jesus Christ through the lens of 1970s rock. With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, the album pulsed with theatrical ambition and musical rebellion.

At its heart were Ian Gillan, the powerhouse lead singer of Deep Purple, delivering a raw and anguished performance as Jesus; Murray Head as a deeply conflicted Judas; and Yvonne Elliman, whose tender vocals brought depth and warmth to Mary Magdalene.

Though conceived as a strategy to fund a future stage production, the album took on a life of its own. “Superstar,” the album’s breakout single, rocketed up the charts, capturing both mainstream attention and religious controversy. Fans responded to the soaring melodies, the contemporary language, and the emotional intensity that blurred the line between rock concert and sacred narrative.

The album’s unexpected success paved the way for the rock musical’s Broadway debut in 1971, launching what would become one of the most influential and enduring musicals of the 20th century. As a standalone piece of storytelling, the concept album remains a testament to the bold vision of Webber and Rice—and a cultural milestone that proved rock and religion could coexist on the same sonic stage.

Jesus Christ Superstar

Hollywood Bowl

Friday, August 1, 2025 – 8PM

Saturday August 2, 2025 – 8PM

Sunday August 3, 2025 – 7.30PM

Purchase tickets here.