There’s no venue quite like the Hollywood Bowl to mark an event as monumental as Jesus Christ Superstar. Beginning August 1–3, 2025, the Los Angeles Philharmonic returns to its tradition of staging large-scale musicals during summer—with Superstar headlining the lineup in a fresh, fearless production. After the pandemic hiatus, this revival isn't just a concert—it's a declaration that musical theater at the Bowl is back to stay.
A Rock Opera Roots Reclaimed
Originally conceived as a 1970 concept album, Jesus Christ Superstar blazed the trail for rock-infused theater. It premiered on Broadway in 1971, a sensational debut that later led to the beloved 1973 film adaptation and countless revivals around the globe. The Bowl first hosted a concert performance in September 1971, featuring original Mary Magdalene vocalist Yvonne Elliman in a stripped-back staging that emphasized raw emotion over spectacle—an aesthetic echoed in the 2025 revival.
Casting That Commands Attention
At the center of this bold revival stands Cynthia Erivo as Jesus—a decision that instantly turned heads. Erivo, Tony‑ and Grammy‑winning and Oscar‑nominated for Wicked, brings soaring vocal power and profound emotional nuance to the role. Her casting marked the return of the Bowl's summer musical tradition and paved the way for the rest of the ensemble to fall into place.
Opposite her is Adam Lambert as Judas. Recognized as a glam-rock powerhouse with Broadway chops, Lambert reprises the iconic rock tenor style needed for Anglican hits like “Superstar” and “Heaven on Their Minds.” His casting was announced in May 2025, and he illustrates perfectly the production’s collision of rock star charisma and musical theater craftsmanship.
Rounding out the stellar cast: Phillipa Soo as Mary Magdalene, delivering a moving rendition of “I Don’t Know How to Love Him”; four‑time Tony nominee Raúl Esparza as Pontius Pilate; Milo Manheim (Disney’s Zombies) as Peter; Josh Gad as Herod (later replaced last‑minute by John Stamos due to illness); Tyrone Huntley, Brian Justin Crum, Zachary James, and a talented ensemble of soul singers and apostles.
Creative Vision: Concert Meets Theater
Under Sergio Trujillo (director/choreographer) and conductor Stephen Oremus, the revival intentionally returns to the musical’s rock‑opera roots. Instead of elaborate period sets, the stage is built from industrial road boxes, microphones, cords, and live on‑stage instrumentation—reinforcing that the action is happening at a concert as much as a retelling of the Passion.
A 37‑piece orchestra plays behind a massive LED screen used for evocative projections that hover the musicians above the actors—a suggestion of transcendence rather than literal scenery. Contemporary costumes nod at biblical lineage with modern edge. The overall concept bridges spectacle and minimalism, emotional narrative and rock energy.
Themes That Resonate Now
The creative team aims to reflect both the turbulent politics of ancient Jerusalem and our own times. Superstar is as much about identity, power, and faith as it is about rock theology—particularly compelling in an era of societal reckoning around representation. Casting a Black queer woman as Jesus and a gay rock icon as Judas carries enormous social resonance, with characters transcending traditional gender or racial framing to emphasize the human story at the heart of the narrative.
Anticipation and Fan Buzz
Fans have expressed both excitement and controversy online. One Reddit commenter asked: “Does anyone know if Jesus is being portrayed as a Man or a Woman… Jesus was not white but Middle Eastern…”
Others recalled the power of previous JCS concerts:
“The set and lights were so artfully done… the last supper frieze was a stunner… it was the most satisfying ending to JCS I’ve ever experienced.”
The anticipation reached fever pitch: ticket sales for the Hollywood Bowl summer season opened May 6, 2025, with many hoping for single‑performance tickets once subscriptions sold out
Critical Reception (Before Opening Night)
Though the run hadn’t begun at press time, ahead‑of‑opening reviews brimmed with praise for Erivo’s casting and Trujillo’s bold vision. The LA Times described the production as a triumphant return to rock roots and a fitting way to relaunch the Bowl’s musicals after COVID disruption
Playbill and BroadwayWorld noted the star‑heavy ensemble and minimalist staging as the foundation of a memorable theatrical concert-event.
Legacy from Past to Present
Jesus Christ Superstar at the Hollywood Bowl has always been about scale and passion—from the 1971 concert series to this triumphant 2025 revival. The sound of the Bowl, its open sky, and the hum of the L.A. night amplify the mythic quality of the story. With Erivo, Lambert, and an exceptional creative team breathing life into timeless material, this iteration is poised to be both a once‑in‑a‑generation event and a touchpoint in the ongoing evolution of musical theater.
Why This Production Matters
Cross‑generational casting blends Broadway-trained vocalists with pop‑culture stars. As director Trujillo said: “This is the gift that you give to your children…and then it just gets passed on.”
Political and spiritual urgency: Superstar interrogates betrayal and belief at a time of cultural turbulence—heightened by identity‑defying casting which underscores connection over convention.
Venue as co‑star: the Hollywood Bowl offers unmatched scale and communal energy, from 17,000+ seats to its iconic bandshell, setting theatrical experience apart from any other amphitheater.
A reboot of tradition: Renewing the Bowl’s summer musical pageantry after pandemic silence signals a cultural reboot—and Superstar as its flagship is intentional, audacious, and promising.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect
If the rehearsal excerpts are any indication, moments like Lambert’s “Heaven on Their Minds”, Soo’s emotional “I Don’t Know How to Love Him”, and Manheim’s infectious Peter promise theatrical highs. The creative intention—to remind audiences they're watching a rock concert that also tells a story—empowers both immediacy and mythic weight.
Critics and fans alike seem to agree: Jesus Christ Superstar at the Hollywood Bowl isn’t just a revival—it’s a redefinition. With only three nights in early August, it's an event destined to be talked about for years to come.
⚡Bottom Line
Hollywood Bowl’s 2025 staging of Jesus Christ Superstar stands as a daring, modern‑inflected rebirth of a rock opera classic. From casting to staging, music to message, it promises spectacle grounded in emotion, with cultural relevance and theatrical integrity front and center. Whether longtime fans or curious newcomers—this is the rock‑opera event of summer.