Cynthia Erivo and Adam Lambert take the Hollywood Bowl by storm in the role of in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Jesus Christ Superstar.

On August 1st, Jesus Christ Superstar opened its three-day run at the Hollywood Bowl with a star-studded cast, Cynthia Erivo as Jesus, Adam Lambert as Judas, Milo Manheim as Peter, Phillipa Soo as Mary, and Raúl Esparza as Pontius Pilate. John Stamos also stepped into the role of Herod for Josh Gad due to illness. The show, which focuses on Jesus' final days, captivates its audience through the biblical tale and stars Cynthia Erivo and Adam Lambert, who blew the crowd away, encapsulating Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and Lyricist Tim Rice's reflection on themes of power, faith, and the human experience. The Hollywood Bowl was bubbling with excitement, a crowd of nearly 17,500 people all silent as the overture began. The cast was extraordinary, harnessing a gift of evoking emotion in their audiences, using their voices to silence the crowd and elicit cheers from the audience. Cynthia's performance was incredible, and her voice was a force so captivating that it made the world outside the amphitheater melt away. The internalization of the role was evident in her portrayal of Jesus, where she reveals the humanness of the character. Her performance of "Gethsemane (I Only Want to Say)" was so powerful that the audience gave her a lengthy standing ovation, causing tears to well up in the performer's eyes. The moment was so decisive and beautiful, it is one I will never forget. While Cynthia was a force on stage, Adam Lambert stole the show with not only his height but also his powerful voice and style. Towering over Erivo, Adam Lambert not only drew attention to himself in their shared scenes but also hit each note crisply and ferociously. The power behind his acting, as he portrayed Judas, a man "damned for all time," resonated with the audience with every breath, step, and note he shared. His character choices shared raw emotion with the audience as we experience Judas betraying his best friend and committing suicide due to the guilt he was experiencing. Phillipa Soo was a comforting presence on stage, delivering a soft and gentle portrayal that made the audience shiver as chills overtook their bodies during her vocal performance of "I Don't Know How to Love Him." Her duet with Milo Manheim, "Could We Start Again, Please?" was heartwarming as they portrayed the human experience of love and loss, before the audience's eyes. Outside of this performance, Milo Manheim's presence on stage was overlooked.

In contrast, Raúl Esperza's portrayal of Pontius Pilate cannot be dismissed. Esperza was a force of nature on stage, utilizing comedy, ferociousness, and grit to bring Pilate to life in his bright purple gown. He completely outstaged John Stamos, who stepped up to the role of Herod last minute. It was clear how limited his rehearsal time was during his few minutes on stage, and he missed a few lyrics. Overall, the entire production was a breathtaking testament to the power of musical storytelling, leaving the audience both entertained, astonished, and profoundly touched. The complex character arcs were portrayed beautifully with conscious character choices and tragic plot elements. The cast beautifully moved roughly 17,500 people and received a standing ovation from the audience as the show came to a close, followed by even louder cheers as Andrew Lloyd Webber himself made a cameo on stage to join the cast in their final bow. On opening night, this cast delivered an unforgettable performance, and with two more nights left, can touch roughly 35,000 more people with their fabulous rendition of Jesus Christ Superstar.