*Fox’s live biblical musical “The Passion” has added Yolanda Adams to the mix.
The gospel diva, and Christian singer/songwriter Michael W. Smith, are the latest to join the two-hour event, to be narrated by Tyler Perry and filmed live from New Orleans on Palm Sunday, with a live audience.
Set in modern times, “The Passion” follows the story of Jesus of Nazareth as he presides over the Last Supper, is betrayed by Judas, put on trial by Pontius Pilate, convicted, crucified and resurrected.
Adams will kick off “The Passion” with a performance, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Smith will play one of Jesus’ disciples.
The duo joins cast members Jencarlos Canela (Jesus Christ), Chris Daughtry (Judas), Prince Royce (the disciple Peter), Seal (Pontius Pilate) and Trisha Yearwood (Mary, the mother of Jesus).
“The Passion” premieres live on Sunday, March 20 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Fox.
Speaking to the TCA Winter Press tour in January, executive producer Mark Bracco explained the logistics of the shoot throughout New Orleans:
It’s our main stage, the main live stage where Tyler will be will be in Woldenberg Park, and then there will be scenes throughout the two hours that are shot at various locations, from the French Quarter to Jackson Square to Audubon Park. In addition to the procession that we are doing – which is the 20 foot illuminated cross where a procession of hundreds of people from all around the country, during the course of the two hours, will carry the cross; which will start outside of the Superdome and make its way through all of the iconic locations to Woldenberg Park – we will be doing interviews with people who have come, telling us the stories of why they’ve come. So we are really throughout the entire city over the two hours.
