Return of "Passion of the Christ" --The Musical

By John Ma

"The Passion of The Christ," which engrossed more than $369 million at the box office in the U.S. alone, is returning to theaters this fall – only this time it is a performing arts production to be played at musical theaters and concert venues. Metropolitan Talent Management, LLC and Icon Productions presents the film-based production, “Music From And Inspired By The Passion of The Christ Tour.”

“The Passion of The Christ” official movie soundtrack (Sony/Integrity Music) has been certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and continues to be a top-selling soundtrack on the Billboard charts. The Debney composed soundtrack is the only recording that contains the music from the film.

Worldwide "The Passion of The Christ" has grossed more than $600 million since its Feb. 25 release, according to Box Office Mojo. The film is currently No. 7 on the all-time U.S. box office charts and No. 21 on the worldwide chart. The movie is scheduled to be released on DVD and VHS on Aug. 31, according to the film's Web site.

According to co-CEO of MTM John Scher, the tour is scheduled to visit select cities within the states beginning from fall and producing till Easter of 2005. The tour is being booked by Creative Artists Agencies (CAA). “Passion” film’s music composer John Debney will personally conduct the live production with a complete orchestral set, a choir, and world-renown musicians and vocalists replaying the thematic breath-taking music of the film.

The background which will include scenes from the movie will be set to a visual backdrop designed by award-winning production designer Wendall Harrington.

“’The Passion of The Christ’ was a full sensory experience that lasted well beyond the two-hour theater encounter for millions. We expect the tour to elicit the same emotional response. John Debney’s stunning score lends itself beautifully to a live setting, and with a stage set with the world’s finest instruments and voices along with multimedia, the live event will be a powerful experience whether you’ve seen the film or not,” said Scher.

Mel Gibson adds: “That John Debney has called on his considerable talent to create beautiful, utterly transcendent music that is a fundamental thread to the viewing experience of ‘The Passion of The Christ’ is without question. That his haunting, unforgettable work treads the very thin line between a symphony of epic sweep and an intimate and emotional piece, ethnically true and inspired by the best that all those forms have to offer defies expectation. In so doing, this oeuvre lifts itself up to a rarefied realm where it stands alone, even without the film, as a genuine work of art.”

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