Former American Idol contestant Chris Daughtry and Telenovela star Jencarlos Canela have joined Fox’s upcoming The Passion musical.
The Passion was first announced last month and is a live musical version of the Passion Play in a modern setting. Filmmaker Tyler Perry is narrating and the event will air live from New Orleans on Palm Sunday, March 20.
Daughtry, who has found success with his own rock band, will star as Judas. Singer/songwriter Canela has been cast as Jesus Christ. The actor currently stars on NBC’s Telenovela sitcom with Eva Longoria.
Prince Royce is playing Peter and Trisha Yearwood is playing Mary, the mother of Jesus.
The musical was written by High School Musical’s Peter Barsocchini and will feature popular music arranged by producer Adam Anders (Glee, Rock of Ages). It will be filmed in front of iconic New Orleans locations and will culminate with a procession of people carrying a 20-foot cross the the stage at Woldenberg Park.
The Passion will be produced by dick clark productions. It’s the second Fox live musical of the year, as Grease Live! airs on Sunday.