THE PASSION

Set in modern day, THE PASSION followed the dramatic and inspirational story of Jesus of Nazareth, as he presides over the Last Supper, and then is betrayed by Judas, put on trial by Pontius Pilate, convicted, crucified and resurrected. The story will unfold live at some of New Orleans’ most iconic locations, while featuring a procession of hundreds of people carrying 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. Stars are as was followed Jencarlos as Jesus, Trisha Yearwood as Mary, Prince Royce as Peter, Chris Daughtry as Judas and Seal as Pontius Pilate. It starts with Tyler Perry welcoming everybody in attendance to Woldenburg Park for what will be not just your run of the mill play On the story of Jesus ( Joseph and his Tenticolor Deamcoat, Noah, The Passion of The Christ, Jesus Christ Superstar). He says along with watching this play the benefits in turn will go to the millions of people who suffered through Hurricane Katrina and lived to tell their story. The play starts as Yolanda Adams of Gospel music fame acting as the angel of the lord sings "When love takes over".  ( As done by David Guetta and Kelly Rowland). Jesus is wandering the desert (On a Subway Train.) With his Disciples telling them to have faith, death is not the end but however the beginning of something new. Next Jesus is in the garden of Eden telling everybody yes, it is natural to love and hate. But to hate is the calling of Satan and people should deny hate in their heart. And also that one day someone in fact will be tested by just that and they will deny him 3 times. Meanwhile Mary is beginning to feel that her son can foretell the apparent doom that will one day result in her son's demise. One problem, she sadly knows that she can't stop the inevitable consequence. She prays hoping her son can hear her belting out Your love is my love ( Originally done by Celine Dion.)  Later Jesus is in the desert ( A Suburban Neighboring site) with his friend Saint Peter, just talking it up, having a good time basically doing what the best of buddies do in their spare time. Jesus is in Yosemite ( A run of the mill bar.) Asking his Disciples who they think he is, Peter says he is the Messiah the everlasting lord of lords. Jesus congratulates him by calling Peter his "rock" and instructs him to build a church in his name  This time wondering where on earth to live Peter starts looking for a Church site Jesus tells him in a song that where they are currently they can call Home ( A song originally done by Phillip Phillips). Meanwhile in a feast with all of his followers sitting inside a church table near an alter (Kneeling on the grass in a meadow) Jesus takes a loaf of bread and looks to all who follow him saying to all "this is my  body, eat of it and remember me." Then he gives red wine to all of them saying "this is my blood, poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins drink of it all of you and when you drink, do so in memory of me". Then he sadly tells people that the day that someone will deny him is nearing. While this is going on he sings With arms Wide Open ( Originally sung by Creed.) Mary once again realizes that impending doom is growing near and reminisces on the very day that she held her little bundle of joy for the very first time singing Hands ( Originally sung by Jewel.) After the feast Judas runs away knowing that it is he that Jesus is talking about in matters of denial. The only fact is........he loves Jesus so much and would follow him to his grave. So he winds up confused, on one hand Jesus knows the prophecy carried out by his father and his father is challenging Judas to kill him and on the other hand Judas wishes to remain loyal to the Messiah. Judas is going crazy! He sings Bring Me To Life. ( Originally done by Evanescence). Jesus now fears that there is no way out of what will come to pass, like it or not he knows his life on this earth will end on a cross ( Being imprisoned). He wanders the streets asking his fellow angels for help singing Calling All Angels ( Originally done by the group Train). Mary is ill stricken with grief, but still rekindling the past now remembering the times when her son traversed Jerusalem helping anybody in need of it, curing the sick, bringing people back from the brink of death, settling storms.....all of his accomplishments and vows to herself that she won't give up on her son, not for the world ( Originally sung by Jason Miraz). The day has come Jesus is at the Mountain of Sinai praying when Judas finds him and betrays him alerting the roman authorities ( The New Orleans Police Force) that he is the fraud they've been looking for. Jesus knowing the day would eventually come lets down his guard and surrenders, but before doing so he asks Judas why him? Singing Demons ( Originally sung by Imagine Dragons.) Saint Peter believes that he himself is the betrayer, also feeling guilty he runs through the desert ( The Cultisack) for cover singing The Reason, out of guilt ( Originally sung by Hoobastank). Mary knowing soon her son will face the ultimate test of his life tries to psychically ready her son, giving him advice telling her son she will be behind him through the biggest of challenges. Hoping her voice rings out to him singing You will never walk alone ( Originally made possible by Rodgers&Hammerstein). The day that has been prophesied is finally here and Jesus is taken by Roman Soldiers ( The New Orleans S.W.A.T team) to the Roman Governor Pontius Pilate to be judged, but he sees nothing really wrong. Sadly for Jesus the people have the final say and it is agreed by everyone he shall be crucified ( jailed for life) for his acts on mankind before that Pontius and Jesus have some choice words saying why should there be a hero of the Jews? sung to We Don't Need Another Hero ( Originally sung by Tina Turner from the Movie Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome) . Meanwhile in Pilate's quarters he still can't fathom what he just did to someone so innocent, thinking if he only spoke up he could have saved him from crucifixion ( being a lifer in jail). As he tries to put together the pieces of what just happened he ends up cursing society as we know it singing Mad World (Originally done by Gary Jules and in the 80's Tears for Fears). Mary happened to be Among the people who wished for her very son to be punished for an act he never did once all is said and done, her son is dead. Buried in a tomb made of Granite rock and a rolling stone door, guarded by roman sentinels ( just an illuminated cross). She walks by the cross trying not to cry, but she can't help it after seeing her son's death being cheered by millions. She sadly sings " Broken " ( Originally done by LifeHouse.)  All of the sudden a bright white light wakes the guards and Mary and the rock entrance that was supposed to be impenetrable by any human hand rolls on it's own, the guards and Mary are astonished to see the tomb that was holding the dead corpse of Jesus Christ is empty! (Jencarlos just leaves the stage and appears 50 feet on top of the Western Building). The guards can't believe their eyes, how could somebody just.....vanish!. Mary knows what happened, her son has risen! Jesus tells everybody including his followers that those who believe will always be welcome into the kingdom of eternity. Jesus sings Unconditionally (originally sung by a teenage Katy Perry.) As the Play goes on the procession of leading the cross down the French Quarter, Jackson Square all the way to the stage in Woldenbug Park in Bourbon Street will be lead by New Orleans Correspondent Nishelle Turner. She will be speaking to the citizens who are thankful for their lives and to the people who remained strong and were willing to go up and beyond the call of duty to silence the fears of many.