John Stamos is stepping into the role of King Herod just hours before Jesus Christ Superstar opens at the Hollywood Bowl. This sudden casting comes after Josh Gad revealed he could no longer perform due to contracting COVID-19.
Gad shared the news on Instagram, expressing his disappointment: “It is with enormous heartbreak that I inform you all that unfortunately, I have contracted a virus known as COVID (remember that little bastard from season one of ‘Earth really sucks right now’?).”
Stamos isn’t just a familiar face. He’s had a diverse career as a musician, famously collaborating with the Beach Boys, and he’s also performed on Broadway in productions like Bye Bye Birdie and Hairspray.
On Instagram, Stamos expressed his excitement, saying, “I am grateful for the chance to step into the gold lamé. This is an honor. A dream. And also a little insane because… I just stepped off a plane from @thebeachboys tour in Spain and have less than 24 hours to pull this off.”
King Herod has a rich history in theater. In the original 1971 Broadway production, the role was portrayed by Paul Ainsley, and Josh Mostel played him in the 1973 film. Notably, Alice Cooper took on the character in NBC’s 2018 live concert of the musical.
For this weekend’s performance, Cynthia Erivo stars as Jesus, a role announced back in February. The cast also includes Adam Lambert as Judas, Milo Manheim as Peter, Raúl Esparza as Pontius Pilate, and Phillipa Soo as Mary Magdalene.
The production, directed by Tony winner Trujillo and conducted by Stephen Oremus, aims to deliver a fresh experience for both new audiences and long-time fans of the musical.
With theater returning to its vibrant form post-pandemic, this performance highlights the resilience of the arts. As audiences flock to enjoy live shows again, many are eager to see how the energy of a live performance can restore a sense of connection and joy that was missing during lockdowns.
In today’s world, live theater not only entertains but also serves as a powerful reminder of our shared stories and experiences.
Source link
Hollywood Bowl,Jesus Christ Superstar,John Stamos,Josh Gad
