Hollywood Bowl’s Star-Studded ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’: What This Means for Live Musical Theatre’s Future
The upcoming Hollywood Bowl staging of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s iconic rock opera, Jesus Christ Superstar, isn’t just another high-profile revival; it’s a powerful indicator of evolving trends in live musical theatre, particularly in how we consume and experience these beloved productions. With a cast boasting names like Cynthia Erivo, Adam Lambert, Phillipa Soo, and Josh Gad, this event highlights a growing appetite for both accessible, large-scale outdoor productions and the powerful draw of star-studded ensembles breathing new life into classic musicals.
The Allure of the Hollywood Bowl Spectacle
The Hollywood Bowl has become a premier destination for ambitious musical theatre productions, transforming timeless stories into unforgettable summer events. This year’s Jesus Christ Superstar continues that tradition, promising a lavish outdoor spectacle. Past successes like Kinky Boots, A Chorus Line, and Rent have cemented the Bowl’s reputation for delivering high-quality, immersive experiences. This approach taps into a desire for communal entertainment that feels both grand and uniquely tied to its environment.
The sheer scale of talent assembled—from Tony winners like Phillipa Soo and Raúl Esparza to Broadway veterans like Zachary James and Tyrone Huntley, alongside popular artists like Adam Lambert and Milo Manheim—underscores a key strategy in modern musical theatre: leveraging recognizable talent to attract wider audiences. Cynthia Erivo, fresh off her lauded performance in Wicked, taking on the title role, and Adam Lambert stepping into the shoes of Judas, exemplifies this trend.
Star Power as a Catalyst for Revivals
The consistent success of revivals at venues like the Hollywood Bowl, and indeed on Broadway and in touring productions, suggests that audiences have a deep affection for established narratives. However, the casting choices often signal a desire for fresh interpretations. By pairing established Broadway powerhouses with artists known for their crossover appeal, producers are effectively bridging different fan bases. This isn’t just about filling seats; it’s about re-contextualizing classic works for contemporary audiences.
The inclusion of artists like Phillipa Soo, renowned for her heartfelt portrayal of Eliza Hamilton in Hamilton, as Mary Magdalene, and Josh Gad, beloved for his comedic timing in The Book of Mormon, as Herod, adds layers of expectation and excitement. It hints at performances that honor the material while bringing their unique artistry to the roles, potentially offering new emotional resonance to familiar characters.
Beyond the Concert Staging: Broader Implications
The success of these large-scale, concert-style productions at outdoor venues like the Hollywood Bowl suggests a growing market for musicals that offer a slightly different experience than traditional proscenium arch theatre. These events often appeal to a broader demographic, including families and those who might not typically attend a Broadway show.
Accessibility and Economic Viability
The financial model for these large-scale outdoor events can also be particularly attractive. While production costs are significant, the capacity of venues like the Hollywood Bowl, combined with robust ticket sales driven by star power and the appeal of the musical itself, can lead to significant profitability. This economic viability encourages further investment in similar productions, potentially revitalizing interest in classic musicals and making them more accessible to a wider audience.
Furthermore, the concert staging format can offer a more flexible and potentially less expensive production model compared to full-blown elaborate sets and costumes, allowing for a greater focus on the musicality and vocal performances. This could pave the way for more ambitious concert tours or limited engagements of beloved musicals in various cities.
The Future of Musical Theatre: A Blended Landscape
What does this trend portend for the future of musical theatre? It suggests a landscape where traditional Broadway productions coexist with a vibrant ecosystem of concert-style stagings, film adaptations, and innovative streaming experiences. The ability to draw massive crowds with a stellar cast and a well-loved score at an iconic outdoor venue like the Hollywood Bowl demonstrates the enduring power of musical theatre.
It also raises questions about how technology and performance converge. While this specific production is a live event, the success of filmed stage productions and live TV broadcasts of musicals (like NBC’s Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert in 2018) shows a parallel interest in capturing these moments for wider audiences.
The convergence of renowned performers and accessible, high-impact venues is clearly a winning formula. As the industry continues to evolve, expect to see more productions that blend the magic of live performance with the drawing power of celebrity and the unique charm of unforgettable settings.
