Tyler Perry Hopes His Passion Sends a Message to Hollywood, Sparks Revival
Fox will celebrate Palm Sunday with a live performance of The Passion, but before you assume it’s just one of many, host Tyler Perry says you might need to reconsider.
“It’s not a musical like Grease or The Wiz, this is the story of Jesus Christ’s last hours on earth, told as if He were on earth today. It’s a biblical story told in modern times, set to some of today’s most popular songs preformed (sic) throughout and all around New Orleans. There will also be people, like you and me, carrying a 20-foot illuminated cross through the streets. Talk about letting your little light shine,” Perry posted to Facebook.
The Passion cast line-up includes Tricia Yearwood, Michael W. Smith, Shane Harper of God’s Not Dead, Jencarlos Canela of Telenovela and Chris Daughtry, with a performance by Yolanda Adams.
While the musical is based on Eye2Eye Media’s Dutch performance, the strong Christian casting shows the production’s commitment to the true life of Christ.
“The reason I wanted to be involved was because I was shocked to find out how many people in this country don’t know the story of Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection. I was also shocked at the amount of people under 25 who don’t believe in anything. Our world has changed so much,” Perry posted.
“But The Passion is an amazing opportunity to retell this amazing story. My prayer and hope is that it opens a dialogue that starts a revival all over this country.
“The Passion is about love, inclusion and compassion for all mankind. It’s for believers and also nonbelievers. It’s for all faiths and all backgrounds. This story doesn’t just belong to one group, it belongs to humanity. Love, forgiveness and compassion, those are things that are universal to us all. We all need them and The Passion will deliver it right into your home. When was the last time you can say you turned on the TV and that happened?
“I’m calling on my audience and believers all over this country to help support this show. Please help us send a message to Hollywood that we want to see more TV shows that leave us lifted, inspired and changed. Shows that leave us hopeful,” Perry said.
