Secretary of State Marco Rubio has criticized a staging of Jesus Christ Superstar featuring Cynthia Erivo as Jesus, claiming it mocks Christianity. Erivo, who identifies as a queer Black actress, has been widely recognized for her achievements as an LGBTQ activist. Rubio noted that he would not support its presentation at the Kennedy Center, citing concerns of disrespecting religious beliefs. The production has drawn mixed reactions, with some defending artistic expression and others objecting on religious grounds.
Rubio stated, “It’s been true from the beginning in Christianity, it’s been – Christianity has been mocked, Christianity has been attacked from its very inception.”
Rubio added, “In fact, the Church has traditionally been at its strongest when it’s the persecuted church, it’s been at its weakest when it sort of gets consumed by the culture.”
Rubio said, “And so, by definition, Christianity has always been countercultural. It was from its earliest days, and it’s been at its strongest and most vibrant. Now, that doesn’t mean we seek persecution or we don’t take it on. It does. But I think we should understand that, that Christ’s own command and Christ’s own words, he tells us they’re going to hate you because of me.”
The production previously ran for three nights at the Hollywood Bowl. Some Christian groups have criticized Erivo’s casting as disrespectful, arguing the choice demeans core religious beliefs.
Conservative commentators Kevin Sorbo, Riley Gaines, Kristan Hawkins, Dinesh D’Souza, and Christopher Calvin Reid have criticized the casting. Hawkins said, “It’s no surprise she looks exactly like how demons have always been portrayed.”
Hawkins added, “And let’s be real… if you dress like a demon, act like a demon, and mock God like a demon… don’t be shocked when people call it what it is.”
Actor Ted Neeley compared the backlash to protests during the original Broadway run. Erivo said she had anticipated varied reactions and viewed the performance as an artistic opportunity.
Erivo said, “You can’t please everyone.” She added, “It is legitimately a three-day performance at the Hollywood Bowl where I get to sing my face off. So, hopefully [critics] will come and realize, ‘Oh, it’s a musical, the gayest place on Earth.’”
Michael Davis covers U.S. politics & news for content partner Modern Newsstand LLC.