Cynthia Erivo is set to showcase her dynamic range once again as she takes on the role of Jesus in the upcoming musical “Jesus Christ Superstar” at the Hollywood Bowl. This exciting announcement was a part of the 2025 season lineup unveiled by the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Known for her incredible talents, Erivo has garnered an Oscar nomination for her outstanding performance in the hit musical “Wicked.”
The production, directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Sergio Trujillo, signifies the much-anticipated revival of summer musicals at the Bowl after a hiatus caused by the pandemic in 2020. L.A. Phil President and Chief Executive Kim Noltemy expressed enthusiasm for returning to this format, stating, “We missed the musicals for a few years, and I think that one is a good one to return with.” She noted that the organization needed time to readjust after the challenges posed by the pandemic.
This summer also marks Gustavo Dudamel’s 16th and second-to-last season at the Hollywood Bowl before he transitions to the New York Philharmonic in 2026. Noltemy mentioned that the season will celebrate Dudamel’s contributions, showcasing performances that feature music and composers he holds dear.
Dudamel will lead eight performances in August, collaborating with the L.A. Phil and Venezuela’s Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra. The program will highlight Mahler’s First Symphony, a piece Dudamel debuted with in 2009, alongside Erich Wolfgang Korngold’s Violin Concerto featuring acclaimed Norwegian violinist Vilde Frang.
This season will also celebrate the Bolívar’s first return since 2018, presenting a collection of dances from around the globe, including Ravel’s famous “Boléro.” On this special night, pianist Yuja Wang will perform Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1, and the Bolívar will join the L.A. Phil for Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony, premiering two new works by composers Ricardo Lorenz and Arturo Márquez, featuring trumpeter Pacho Flores.
Additionally, Korean pianist Seong-Jin Cho will perform works by Ravel and Duke Ellington alongside Dudamel and the L.A. Phil.
The season will kick off with the talented Hugh Jackman, who will perform beloved songs from “The Greatest Showman” and “The Music Man,” supported by the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra and Youth Orchestra Los Angeles to raise funds for music education programs.
This year’s Hollywood Bowl Jazz Festival has been revamped as the Blue Note Jazz Festival, following a partnership between the L.A. Phil and the iconic New York venue. The inaugural event will see performances from headliners like Grace Jones and De La Soul.
No Hollywood Bowl season would be complete without a celebration of film music. This year, audiences can enjoy a special concert of “Jaws,” conducted by David Newman to celebrate the film’s 50th anniversary. Additionally, Dudamel will conduct a live concert of the iconic score from “Jurassic Park.”
With star-studded performances from John Legend, Cyndi Lauper, and Diana Ross, among others, the upcoming season promises an unforgettable array of concerts. “Everyone wants to support Gustavo,” Noltemy noted, emphasizing the affection and respect for Dudamel in his final years with the L.A. Phil.
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Hollywood Bowl 2025: Cynthia Erivo in ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’
