Adam Lambert in Jesus Christ Superstar: A Groundbreaking, Rock‑Opera Revival

Why Lambert as Judas Feels So Right

Adam Lambert was born to play Judas. His background includes fierce theatrical vocals, rock stage dominance, and a flair for drama. He rose to fame on American Idol and went on to front Queen with commanding style and presence. His Broadway debut in Cabaret earlier in 2025 earned critical acclaim and cemented his return to musical theater.

Critics praised his Judas for hitting the high notes with crisp intensity while conveying deep emotion, especially during him grappling with betrayal and guilt in tracks like “Damned For All Time” and the haunting title number. One reviewer summarized it: Lambert hits the high D’s with ease and brings self righteousness and desolation in equal measure during Judas’s arc.

Fans on social media shared reactions that echo years of excitement. One Reddit user said that casting Adam would align perfectly with the role he was born to play.

Cynthia Erivo as Jesus: A First for Major U.S. Venue

Equally groundbreaking is the casting of Cynthia Erivo as Jesus. She becomes the first Black woman openly queer actor to play Jesus at a major U.S. venue. Her performance redefines expectations. Critics noted that she portrayed Jesus not as a supernatural savior but as a human leadership figure overwhelmed by the movement she helped start.

This casting choice generated passionate conversation. Some critics called it revolutionary and inclusive. Others saw it as controversial, describing Erivo as “too brown, bi and bald” in a role with religious resonance. For Erivo, the point was clear: this is theater, and Jesus Christ Superstar has always invited bold reinterpretation.

Hollywood Bowl: Rock Opera Under the Stars

Presenting Jesus Christ Superstar at the Hollywood Bowl adds cinematic scale to already monumental storytelling. The outdoor amphitheater seats over 17,000 and amplifies rock energy across every seat.

Sergio Trujillo’s direction fuses rock concert momentum with theatrical emotion. He keeps the pacing electric and ensures movement fills the expansive venue. Stephen Oremus conducts a 35 piece orchestra plus rock band that supports the cast with raw, driving sound that echoes the original musical’s power.

The creative team includes scenic designer Jason Ardizzone‑West, costume designer Emilio Sosa, projection artist Peter Negrini, lighting designers Tyler Lambert Perkins and Tyler Glover, and sound designer Jonathan Burke. The aesthetic is bold, modern and deeply dramatic.

Standout Moments: A Performance Teeming With Emotion

Critics highlighted a few unforgettable moments. During the title song “Jesus Christ Superstar,” Lambert emerged in full force, backed by pulsing lighting and a roaring ensemble on stage and in the stands.

Erivo’s climactic performance of “Gethsemane (I Only Want to Say)” was described as transformative. Instead of portraying Jesus as stoic, Erivo allows raw breakdown, creating a moment that moved many in the audience to tears.

John Stamos stepped in last minute to play King Herod when Josh Gad withdrew due to illness. His brief performance was brave, though critics felt it lacked polish due to limited rehearsal time. Still audiences applauded the bold resolve.

Lambert to Release "Heaven on Their Minds" as New Studio Single

In a savvy cross promotion, Adam Lambert and Andrew Lloyd Webber collaborated to release a new studio version of “Heaven on Their Minds” timed with the opening of the Hollywood Bowl performances. The single dropped on August 1 and gave fans worldwide a taste of the rock energy to come.

Lambert expressed excitement about recording the number. He called it a great way to celebrate the debut of his stage performance and share the moment with fans who could not attend live.

Why This Production Now Hits So Deep

Jesus Christ Superstar has always been a musical about humanity, belief, personality and power. Casting choices like Lambert and Erivo bring contemporary resonance and inclusivity into the storyline. The rock opera format combines passion for faith and modern music in a way that still feels urgent.

Lambert returns full circle to his theatrical roots after a breakthrough run in Cabaret. He said the experience felt soulful and liberating, reconnecting him with his original passion for musical theater.

This Hollywood Bowl staging arrives at a moment when audiences crave stories that are bold, human and unafraid to challenge tradition. It is a rock opera for today, while honoring its original 1971 debut as a concept album turned Broadway landmark.

Final Thoughts: A Landmark Revival With a Rock Star at Its Core

Adam Lambert as Judas Iscariot brings fierce vocal power, dramatic tension and emotional depth to Jesus Christ Superstar under the stars at the Hollywood Bowl. Paired with Cynthia Erivo’s groundbreaking portrayal of Jesus the result is both electric and moving.

With limited performances August 1 through 3, this event has already become one of the most buzzed about musical theater events of 2025. Fans and critics are calling it a once in a generation fusion of star power and artistic daring.

If you love rock musicals, theatrical risk taking, Adam Lambert or boundary pushing casting, this revival of Jesus Christ Superstar may well be the most memorable live stage experience of the year.