Infused with modern references and a subversive, secular attitude, many religious groups condemned the show for depicting Jesus as a flawed hero, painting Judas too sympathetically and for implying a romance between the son of God and his follower, Mary Magdalene.

Cynthia Erivo has responded to the backlash she received for her upcoming lead role in Jesus Christ Superstar at the Hollywood Bowl. After it was announced earlier this year that the Wicked star would be playing Jesus in Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's musical,

Cynthia Erivo is addressing the criticism over her casting in the upcoming three-night production of Jesus Christ Superstar. The Wicked: For Good star shut down the negativity around her, scoring the titular role of the Hollywood Bowl production.