Here's a production that I hope is going nowhere,
British actress and Grammy Award-winning singer Cynthia Erivo is set to make history as the first black woman to portray Jesus Christ in a major production of Jesus Christ Superstar.
The decision to cast Erivo, who came out as queer and bisexual in 2022, has ignited strong reactions from both critics and supporters.
Erivo, best known for her role as Elphaba in Wicked, will take on the iconic role in a special production at the Hollywood Bowl, running from 1st-3rd August, 2025.
Screwtape is smiling.
So when the Mary Magdalene character sings "I don't know how to love him", what pronoun will be used? If Mary uses "her", then the play will have more explaining to do than just trying to justify a "queer and bisexual" female Jesus.
I remember when "Jesus Christ Superstar" (JCS) first came out. We had to review the musical's songs for a religion class in school. I thought Herod's song had the best tune and lyrics: "Prove to me that your no fool. Walk across my swimming pool." I don't think the priest in charge of the class ever pointed out the major flaw in JCS which is that there is no Resurrection.
As St. Paul wrote,
And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in Christ we have hope[a] in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. - 1 Corinthians 15:14-19 English Standard Version
I fully expect the Hollywood bowl to sell out for this performance. L.A. is not a bastion of orthodox Christianity.
It just won't have the legs or the theological strength to make it in my neck of the woods.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment