On Tuesday (Dec. 15), Fox announced they've got some big projects lined up in the music department for 2016. The network has called on actor and director Tyler Perry to host and narrate a two-hour live religious broadcast called The Passion. The musical will follow the uplifting story of Jesus of Nazareth and The Last Supper.
The 46-year-old producer and screenwriter has made quite a name for himself on both the small and big screen. Known for creating and starring in his films and television series, Perry is recognized for his work in Good Deeds, Temptation: Confession of a Marriage Counselor, the Madea franchise, and the box office hit Gone Girl (directed by David Fincher).
He will help bring Jesus of Nazareth's story to life with a modern twist. Exploring why and how Jesus was betrayed by Judas, the trial by Pontius Pilate, being nailed to the cross, and the controversy surrounding his miracle resurrection.
I'm excited to host and narrate #ThePassionLive, a musical event that airs LIVE March 20 on FOX!
— Tyler Perry (@tylerperry) December 15, 2015
"The Passion is both wonderfully entertaining and genuinely inspirational," Fox Entertainment president David Madden said in a statement, according to The Hollywood Reporter. "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."
Filming in some of New Orlean's most iconic locations, viewers will be able to witness hundreds of actors carrying an illuminated 20-foot cross Champion Square to the production's live stage Woldenburg Park near the Mississippi River.
The Passion is scheduled to air live from New Orleans on Palm Sunday (March 20, 2016). The cast from the forthcoming musical has yet to be announced, but they are expected to sing a variety of songs put together by executive producer Adam Anders (Glee and Rock of Ages).
“The Passion is one of the most exciting and compelling projects that I have ever been involved with,” Anders said, according to The Hollywood Reporter. “I cannot wait to bring the greatest story ever told to life through music in a way that has never been heard before. To be able to create new arrangements of some of the biggest songs of all time to create a live ‘film score’ is a creative dream for me.”
It will be produced by Dick Clark Productions with Eye2EyeMedia and Anders Media Inc. Doornbos. Executive producers from The Passion: Netherlands will also work on the live musical.
This isn't the only musical Fox has in store for 2016. Fans can look forward to the netwrok's first live musical, Grease Live, on Jan. 31, 2016 and a remake of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, headlined by Orange is the New Black's Laverne Cox.
