Josh Gad made an unexpected return to the stage for the final performance of Jesus Christ Superstar at the Hollywood Bowl on August 3, 2023, after a brief battle with Covid-19. The actor had missed the opening night on August 1, where John Stamos stepped in as King Herod. Gad’s surprise appearance delighted both the audience and his fellow cast members.
In an enthusiastic Instagram post, Gad expressed his joy at rejoining the cast, stating, “What a joy getting to surprise everyone and stand side by side with my incredible and otherworldly cast tonight at the @hollywoodbowl.” He further praised the production as “a masterclass in musical theater led by the finest talents this side of the planet.”
The actor had initially announced his diagnosis on August 1, just hours before the show began. Gad shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, humorously referencing his illness while conveying 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’?).” He confirmed that he would not perform unless he tested negative, emphasizing his commitment to the safety of his castmates.
Gad’s role as King Herod was highly anticipated, and he was cast just a month prior to the production. The show, directed by Sergio Trujillo, also featured Phillipa Soo as Mary Magdalene and Cynthia Erivo in the title role. Other notable cast members included Adam Lambert as Judas, alongside Milo Manheim and Raúl Esparza as Peter and Pontius Pilate, respectively.
The production of Jesus Christ Superstar at the Hollywood Bowl has garnered attention for its star-studded cast and dynamic direction. Conducted and music-directed by Stephen Oremus, who previously worked on both the Broadway and film adaptations of Wicked, the show is a collaborative effort produced in association with Neil Meron and Robert Greenblatt.
Gad’s return not only marked a triumphant moment for the actor but also brought a sense of relief and excitement to the production. Audience members were treated to a memorable conclusion to the show’s limited three-performance run, underscoring the resilience and dedication of the cast and crew in the face of unforeseen challenges.
