Adam Lambert has secured his next theatrical endeavor, stepping into the limelight once more. The Grammy-nominated singer and iconic Queen frontman will grace the stage of the legendary Hollywood Bowl this summer, joining the ensemble of "Jesus Christ Superstar" in the pivotal role of Judas. This rock musical masterpiece, conceived by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, promises a electrifying performance as Lambert takes on the character in this beloved production.
Lambert will share the stage with Cynthia Erivo, who was previously announced to star in the title role. This marks Erivo's first theatrical project since September 2016, when she and Joshua Henry captivated audiences with a one-night benefit concert of Jason Robert Brown's "The Last Five Years."
Under the direction and choreography of Tony Award winner Sergio Trujillo ("Real Women Have Curves: The Musical"), "Jesus Christ Superstar" will enchant theatergoers at the world-renowned Los Angeles amphitheater from August 1 to August 3. The production will also be conducted and musically directed by Stephen Oremus, a double Grammy and Tony Award winner, in association with Neil Meron and Robert Greenblatt.
"Jesus Christ Superstar" first captivated audiences as a concept album in 1970, featuring music by Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Rice. This groundbreaking rock opera reimagined the final week of Jesus' life through Judas Iscariot's perspective, blending biblical themes with electric guitars, powerful vocals, and a contemporary edge that was both revolutionary and controversial for its time. Despite this, the album's overwhelming success paved the way for its Broadway debut in 1971, where it swiftly became a cultural sensation.
Over the decades, the show has undergone numerous reimaginings, from arena tours to lavish revivals. Its 1973 film adaptation gained cult status, while in 2018, NBC's "Jesus Christ Superstar: Live in Concert," starring John Legend, Sara Bareilles, and Brandon Victor Dixon, introduced the show to a new generation with a high-energy televised performance. Notably, Erivo herself portrayed Mary Magdalene in the all-female concept album "Jesus Christ Superstar: She Is Risen" in 2020.
Lambert, who recently concluded a run on Broadway playing the Emcee in the Tony Award-winning production of "Cabaret" at the Kit Kat Club, marks this as his Broadway debut, albeit not his first foray into theater. Prior to his fame on "American Idol," he toured with "Wicked."
"It's unbelievable," he previously shared with PEOPLE about his casting in "Cabaret." "I started out in theater. It was my first love and what I always envisioned myself doing for my career. When I transitioned into a recording artist, it was a quest for self-expression and liberation after years as a stage performer. But now, returning to the stage 15 years later, I've found a renewed sense of freedom in embodying a character again, armed with the wisdom I've gained in the music industry."
"This has been such a full-circle experience," Lambert added. "Working with theater people once more, I feel like I've come home. They are my people—the ones who get me and understand me. Throughout my rock star journey, I've grappled with imposter syndrome, questioning if I truly belong. Returning to theater feels incredibly nurturing for my soul."
Tickets for the Hollywood Bowl's 2025 summer season are now available. Starting May 6, patrons can purchase tickets to individual performances of any LA Phil-presented summer concerts at the Hollywood Bowl, featuring an array of celebrated artists spanning pop, rock, hip-hop, jazz, Broadway, opera, and film scores.
