British Queer Actress to Portray Jesus Christ

Recently I read an article that one of the stars of Wicked will act in the role of Jesus Christ in a live version of “Jesus Christ Superstar.”  For three days at the beautiful Hollywood Bowl (where the parking is lousy) Jesus Christ will be presented by a talented actress and singer, yet in the most foolish fashion; for only a born fool would rewrite an historical religious figure in the most unbelievable way.  And yet, they are producing it and their recent announcement has already garnered 115,000 “likes.”  Sadly, I am not the least bit surprised by the production or the enthusiasm behind it.  As a native Californian I grew accustomed to reflex debauchery in the face of Jesus’ moral teachings.  For example, the large gay pride parades near where I lived always had a group of men dressed as hideous Catholic nuns.  And as a former bisexual (something I touch on in my recent book), I understand first hand that moral darkness hates the light. Or, paradoxically, darkness wants to become the “new” light, in much the way that Satan wanted to become God. What I do not understand is the motive for altering Jesus Christ Superstar so profoundly.  My presumption is that the producers want to promote “inclusion” (not unlike the green Elphaba in Wicked), but if that is the case then they have missed the point entirely.  For the saving passion of Jesus’ birth, life, death and resurrection is not exclusive; his entire ministry included everyone that was willing to hear and follow him, regardless of skin color or gender (identity).   

To portray Jesus - or any historical person - as something other than what they were explicitly is just plain silly.  And to not promote Jesus-as-is, or the Good News he brought, but to profit from some perverse sort of entertainment in support of queer propaganda, is in itself disenfranchising. Which makes me wonder if UnHolyWood is willing to go so far as Charlie Hebdo and present the prophet Muhammed in a similar fashion.  I think not.

Perhaps what is most disconcerting about this whole idea is that the lead actress is stated as being Roman Catholic, and that she is currently dating another “Christian” actress.  In a 2018 NPR interview that actress is quoted as saying, I always say that my family is made up of lazy Christians, and that's because they believe and they taught me to believe, but they got to church when they could. But we definitely went every Easter. They can't quote the Bible to save their lives. It's the reason why I can't. I seriously - I cannot give you a Bible verse. But I'm a huge believer in God, and Jesus Christ, and that God made me and all those things. And I try to just be a good person. I think that is the base of my religion, is to be good, is to be honest. (Source: www.npr.org/transcripts/577311653)

From what I can tell, these women are not pronounced atheists who despise Jesus Christ, but they are sorely ignorant of the faith in which they were raised or count as their own. And it is this that makes me profoundly sad.  For like the blind leading the blind, they encourage others to radically think in the wrong direction.  One person gleefully posted (regarding the new production) they hoped this performance would raise the ire of Christians who held to their “own version of Jesus.”  Seriously?

Brothers and Sisters, it is a mad, mad, mad, mad world that we live in; and so willfully ignorant of its’ own cognitive demise that it is no wonder why few find the narrow path.  As for you and I, stay the course.  The way is narrow, the climb is steep, and it is often a lonely trek, but persevere!  In the end, it will be eternally worth the effort.

As for this rehashed musical, it will only play out as a spiritual tragedy.