Breaking: John Stamos Stepped In too Save ‘Jesus Christ Superstar‘ Opening night at the Hollywood Bowl – Just hours before curtain, veteran actor John Stamos replaced Josh Gad in the Hollywood Bowl’s production of Jesus Christ Superstar after Gad tested positive for COVID-19.
Stamos had previously hinted at a surprise appearance, sharing a photo on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/p/DM2-yysxZW5/) with the caption: “See you all Sunday night.”
The sudden cast change occurred mere hours before the opening performance on Sunday, July 28, 2024. Gad announced his diagnosis Wednesday, July 24, 2024, via an Instagram post, expressing his disappointment and praising the production as “one of the greatest things you will ever see.”
In his Instagram statement, Gad humorously referred to COVID-19 as “that little bastard from season one of ‘Earth really sucks right now’).” He explained that he was withdrawing “out of an abundance of caution and respect for my cast,” adding that he would only return if he tested negative.
“It truly breaks my heart, but I can assure you all that the show is going to be one of the greatest things you will ever see. I hope at some point you get to see me wear the crown and show you what we’ve been up to, because it was quite something, but for now, sadly, I will not be able to grace the Hollywood Bowl,” Gad wrote.
Gad was cast as King Herod last month in the sergio Trujillo-directed production, joining a stellar cast that includes Phillipa Soo as Mary Magdalene.
Cynthia Erivo leads the production in the title role of Jesus, having been cast in February 2024. Adam Lambert portrays Judas,with Milo Manheim as peter and Raúl Esparza as Pontius Pilate completing the principal cast. The production runs from August 1-3, 2024, at the 17,500-seat Hollywood bowl amphitheater in Los Angeles, California.
The Hollywood Bowl’s Jesus Christ Superstar is directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Sergio Trujillo. Stephen Oremus,known for his work on both the Broadway and film adaptations of Wicked,serves as the conductor and music director. The production is a collaboration between Neil Meron and Robert Greenblatt.
Jesus Christ Superstar, with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, originally premiered on Broadway in 1971.The rock opera retells the story of the last week of Jesus’ life from the viewpoint of Judas Iscariot. The Hollywood Bowl production marks a important staging of the beloved musical, continuing the venue’s tradition of large-scale theatrical events.
