Musician John Legend will star in NBC's upcoming special "Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert!," the network announced Tuesday.
Rocker Alice Cooper has been tapped to play King Herod in the David Leveaux-directed production, which will be filmed at the Marcy Armory in Brooklyn, New York, before a live audience.
"I'm thrilled to join the cast of this production of 'Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert!,'" Legend in a statement, Entertainment Weekly reported. "It’s such a powerful, meaningful musical and I’m humbled to be part of this performance."
Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice will be executive producers of the show, which will air on Easter Sunday, April 1. It centers on the last week of Christ’s life and was first a Billboard No. 1 hit that was made into a Broadway show running more than 700 shows between 1971 and 1973.
"John Legend is a superstar," Rice said in a statement, EW reported. "As a performer, his voice is infectious and effortless. As an actor, he is believable and honest. I’m thrilled he will be able to share his portrayal of Jesus with the world."
NBC Chairman Robert Greenblatt said there isn't "anyone better to bring this story to a new audience [than Legend]," Deadline reported. "His casting is also groundbreaking as the traditional image of Christ will be seen in a new way."
Twitter was thrilled and excited with the casting choice.
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