Trisha Yearwood Set as Mary in Fox's Live Staging of 'The Passion'

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Country superstar Trisha Yearwood has signed on for the role of Mary in Fox’s live staging of “The Passion,” hosted by Tyler Perry.

The two-hour musical telecast is set to air March 20, on Palm Sunday. It will originate live from New Orleans, using iconic locations in the Crescent City. The telecast promises to feature the spectacle of a procession of hundreds of people carrying a 20-foot, illuminated cross from outside the city’s Superdome to a stage at Woldenburg Park on the banks of the Mississippi River.

The story of final hours of the life of Jesus Christ will feature a modern setting but encompass the Biblical stories of Jesus’ betrayal by Judas, his trial, crucifixion and resurrection, with Perry serving as narrator. The teleplay was written by Peter Barsocchini (“High School Musical”). Adam Anders (“Glee”) is the musical producer.

In addition to Yearwood in the role of Jesus’ mother, singer Prince Royce has signed on to play the disciple Peter.

Dick Clark Productions is producing “The Passion.” Allen Shapiro, Mike Mahan, Mark Bracco, Jacco Doornbos, Adam Anders, David Grifhorst are exec producers along with showrunner Robert Deaton.

Yearwood has had a long career as a C&W chart-topper. She’s also active in the foodie arena with a popular line of cookbooks and host of Food Network’s “Trisha’s Southern Kitchen” series.

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