Cynthia Erivo’s controversial casting as Jesus Christ in Jesus Christ Superstar has moved from divisive headlines to full-blown backlash, as footage of her performance at the Hollywood Bowl went viral this weekend.
Erivo, who appeared on stage in a torn white dress with claw-like acrylic nails, was seen singing opposite Adam Lambert in what the Bowl’s website describes as a “return to the rock roots” of the iconic musical.
But for many viewers, the production didn’t feel like a revival. It felt like a tired, elitist provocation from Hollywood.
