It’s rare that Los Angeles plays host to the theater world’s hottest ticket, but that’s what we got when the Hollywood Bowl put some of our best living performers together onstage for a limited three-night engagement.
“Jesus Christ Superstar” set the West Coast’s iconic bandshell ablaze this weekend with “Wicked” Oscar nominee Cynthia Erivo taking on the O.G. messiah role – this one being a little less green than her Elphaba.
Erivo’s take on Jesus Christ proved to be as Herculean a theatrical accomplishment as anything we’ve seen from her to date. Graceful and heroic, sharp and emotive, the “Color Purple” Tony winner as the son of God was a rousing musical experience. Between the assured guidance of “What’s the Buzz,” the doting affection of “Everything’s Alright” and the wailing admonition of “The Temple,” Act I alone showcased Erivo’s prowess as a dramatic actress and world-class vocalist…