Live Outdoor Fox Musical ‘The Passion’ Ready for Bad New Orleans Weather: ‘It’s Rain or Shine’

TCA 2016: Or if any emergency vehicles zoom by, “I’ll just say, ‘Jesus called an ambulance,'” host Tyler Perry quips

The Passion
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New Orleans has an average annual rainfall of 64 inches and an average of 56 rainy days a year, according to a 2014 WeatherBill.com report. That was third-most among U.S. cities at the time — and it could portend another logistical headache for the live outdoor Fox musical event “The Passion.”

But no one seems too concerned about potential inclement weather, at least not two months in advance.

“It’s rain or shine,” Executive Producer Mark Bracco told a group of entertainment reporters Friday at the special’s Television Critics Association panel.

Fellow executive producer, creator and obvious optimist Jacco Doornbos shrugged off the possible hurdle, saying a rainy night will just double-up on the “unifying experience” for cast and crew.

Of course, other things can go wrong with a live event taking place across a number of iconic outdoor locations. For example, what if emergency vehicles drown out audio or divert the path of the procession for a 20-foot illuminated cross?

“In those moments, I’ll just say, ‘Jesus called an ambulance,’” host Tyler Perry quipped.

Perry, whose hometown is New Orleans, isn’t too concerned about the crowd-control aspect of all those challenges.

“No offense to Hollywood, but this is New Orleans, who handles Mardi Gras every year — I think they’ve got it covered,” he said.

On Friday, Fox unveiled additional castings: Trisha Yearwood will play Mary, the mother of Jesus, and Latin recording artist Prince Royce has been set as disciple Peter.

“The Passion” is produced by Dick Clark Productions. Allen Shapiro, Mike Mahan, Mark Bracco, Jacco Doornbos and David Grifhorst will serve as executive producers. Robert Deaton also will serve as executive producer and showrunner.

The Perry-narrated special airs live on Palm Sunday, March 20, at 8 p.m. ET. It will be tape-delayed for the West Coast.

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