Fox executives and Tyler Perry promise us ‘Passion’
What’s the difference between “must see TV” and “can’t avert your eyes” television?
Fox executives built a highwire act over a potential train wreck atop a cultural mine field when they commissioned producer/actor/ director Tyler Perry to create “The Passion” ( 8 p. m. Sunday, TV-PG), a contemporary pop musical take on the events in the New Testament, set in modern-day New Orleans.
Did I mention that this was a live broadcast? Produced by a guy best known for dressing up as loud, overweight women?
Everything about “The Passion” seems risky. Recent live TV musicals have all been shot in the confines of sets and stages. “The Passion” will unfold on the boisterous streets of New Orleans.
And then there’s the story. For centuries, European productions of the passion were seen as incitements to mob violence. Director Mel Gibson’s 2004 film adaptation became a very profitable lightning rod. Millions identified with its public piety. Others recoiled from its overt sadism. It was a Gibson movie, after all.
“The Passion” is a holiday franchise that has been televised in Holland since 2011. But this is the first musical version.
In pre-production interviews, Perry has discussed “The Passion” in terms of community. He has purposefully set his story of resurrection in his home city, which has itself risen from the ravages of Hurricane Katrina.
Modern- day adaptations of the New Testament often court controversy. Some date our so- called “culture wars” to the vitriol that encountered director Martin Scorsese’s 1988 adaptation of Nikos Kazantzakis’ 1955 novel, “The Last Temptation of Christ.”
In a land of religious diversity and intensity, one person’s faithful retelling may be another’s blasphemy. Some have complained that “The Passion” shares a network with “Lucifer.” Others have noticed that it will feature not religious songs, but pop numbers arranged by executive producer Adam Anders, best known for his work on “Glee.”
Producer Mark Bracco told “Billboard” that “The Passion” would welcome all viewers, “whether you are a believer or ( someone who) wants to hear Trisha Yearwood sing a Whitney Houston song.” Yearwood plays the Virgin Mary and sings Houston’s “My Love Is Your Love” as well as Jewel’s “Hands.” The soundtrack also includes “We Don’t Need Another Hero,” popularized by Tina Turner.
This is beginning to sound like the Bible according to Baz Luhrmann.
Elsewhere in the cast, Jencarlos Canela portrays Jesus Christ. Chris Daughtry is Judas and Prince Royce plays Peter. Tyler Perry narrates.
Not to give too much away, but the production culminates with a throng carrying an enormous illuminated cross from the Superdome to a large stage by the Mississippi River.
You can’t say Fox hasn’t promised us a spectacle. Whether it turns out to be godly or ghastly remains to be seen. Since so much could go wrong, you have to admire both Fox and Perry for their audacity. Like all live performances, it represents a stupendous roll of the dice.
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Contact Kevin McDonough at kevin.tvguy@gmail.com.