In celebration of Easter, Fresno Pacific University is sponsoring The Passion, airing on the FOX TV affiliates in Fresno (KMPH) and Bakersfield (KBFX) at 8:00 p.m. on Palm Sunday, March 20.
Broadcast live from New Orleans, The Passion sets the 2,000-year-old story of the last hours of Jesus Christ’s life on earth in the modern day. Hosted and narrated by actor, writer, producer, director and New Orleans native Tyler Perry (The Haves and The Have Nots, Gone Girl), the special will feature a cast of today’s biggest stars—including Trisha Yearwood and Seal—performing a variety of popular music, arranged by executive producer Adam Anders (Glee, Rock of Ages). As a sponsor, FPU has two 30-second commercials running during the program in both markets, and a number of sponsorship mentions prior to the broadcast.
The dramatic and inspirational 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 will unfold live at some of New Orleans’ most iconic locations, while a procession of hundreds of people carry a 20-foot, illuminated cross from Champion Square outside the Superdome to the live stage at Woldenburg Park on the banks of the Mississippi River.
FOX teamed with Dick Clark productions, Eye2Eye Media and Anders Media Inc. to produce the event, which follows a format originally created in the Netherlands by Eye2Eye Media. The Dutch version of The Passion has been produced annually since 2011, becoming a pop culture phenomenon.
More at fox.com/the-passion and dickclark.com/shows/the-passion/