Cynthia Erivo has responded to the backlash she received for her upcoming lead role in Jesus Christ Superstar at the Hollywood Bowl. After it was announced earlier this year that the Wicked star would be playing Jesus in Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's musical,

Conservatives, including a pastor, have called the casting of Erivo, a queer Black woman, "blasphemy." Cynthia Erivo is rising above the crucifixion of her casting as Jesus in the upcoming production of Jesus Christ Superstar.

Cynthia Erivo speaks out about her casting as Jesus in the Hollywood Bowl’s Jesus Christ Superstar, responding to critics and reaffirming musical theater as a space for everyone. Performances run August 1–3.