There was an onslaught of concern because it was introduced Cynthia Erivo would star in a brief run of “Jesus Christ Celebrity” in L.A. … however one former messiah actor says haters want to relax and perhaps ask — WWJD?

This is the deal … Cynthia will play Jesus within the traditional Andrew Lloyd Webber musical in a three-night stint on the Hollywood Bowl in August … and a few folks have gone berserk on-line over a Black queer lady being solid within the title position.

Ted Neeley, who performed Jesus on Broadway and several other world excursions, in addition to within the Golden Globe-nominated movie, tells TMZ … he is sadly not shocked the CE casting selection is getting backlash — in any case, he says the present has been polarizing because it opened many years in the past!

The primary run of “Jesus Christ Celebrity” in 1971 was protested on daily basis exterior the NYC theater … and Ted tells us the indignant crowd typically tried to dam solid and crew from even moving into the venue.

The rationale? Most appeared to scream about how the rock musical depicting Jesus’ ultimate days was sacrilegious … very similar to how haters are labeling the model starring “Depraved” sensation Erivo.

Ted tells us in the future all these years in the past, he was compelled to ask one of many protesters why they have been so bothered — and invited the person to truly see the present at no cost and then speak points. Assembly up within the foyer after the curtain name, the one-timer hater was become a fan who mentioned he very a lot loved what he noticed.

The OG Jesus has not seen “Depraved” … however he tells TMZ he is aware of Cynthia is a giant deal, and has confidence she goes to be spectacular within the ‘Celebrity’ position.

And Ted hopes not less than one of many present critics will really give Cynthia’s model that probability his manufacturing was given … after which resolve if it’s actually offensive.