Actor Tyler Perry is set to host and narrate "The Passion," a two-hour musical event that will air live in New Orleans on Palm Sunday, March 20, 2016.
"'The Passion' is both wonderfully entertaining and genuinely inspirational," David Madden, the president of Entertainment at Fox Broadcasting Company, said in a statement, according to a press release from Fox. "We are so thrilled to have the multi-talented Tyler Perry join us for this epic music production. He is the perfect host to lead the cast - and viewers - through the streets of New Orleans in this contemporary re-telling of a timeless story."
The musical tells the 2,000-year-old story of Jesus of Nazareth, as he presides over the Last Supper, and then is betrayed by Judas. Jesus is put to trial by Pontious Pilate, convicted, crucified and - three days later - he resurrects.
The show will feature a procession of hundreds of people transporting a 20-foot illuminated cross from Champion Square outside the Superdome to the stage.
The special will also feature an ensemble of stars - yet to be announced - performing a variety of popular music, arranged by executive producer Adam Anders, according to The Wrap.
Fox is set to capitalize on the live musicals trend after the release of NBC's "The Sound of Music" and "The Wiz" and other Jesus-themed programming such as NatGeo's "Killing Jesus" and The History Channel's "The Bible."
Dick Clark Productions' Allen Shapiro, Mike Mahan and Mark Bracco will also serve as executive producers of the musical as well as Jacco Doornbos of Eye2Eye Media and original "Passion: Netherlands" producer David Grifhorst, according to Deadline.
