Away in a Manger... BIBLE, THE VOICE Producers Developing Live Nativity Musical for NBC

Now that NBC has slated HAIRSPRAY as next year's live musical, the network is reportedly developing another in-the-moment holiday event for 2016. TV Insider writes that THE BIBLE producers Mark Burnett and Roma Downey are working on a live Nativity musical with "an interesting twist."

"This is something we looked at last year, a big live stage performance around the Nativity, something that is near and dear to my and Roma's hearts," Burnett told the site. "A lot of contemporary music fits the Nativity, but also traditional music."

Also on board to produce are THE VOICE's Audrey Morrissey (who has experience with the MTV VMAs and CMT Music Awards) and Stijn Bakkers, with Burnett producing through MGM Television and Digital Group, where he serves as president. Burnett's group is currently behind TV's THE VOICE, SURVIVOR, SHARK TANK, FARGO, VIKINGS, TEEN WOLF and more.

The eight-time Emmy Award-winning producer wants to take the new Nativity musical from a one-night-only event to a holiday season phenomenon, with plans for "a large annual event for millions of people" produced "in an arena or in the streets of a city." Burnett added: "There are already Christmas parades; it's not a big stretch to create a big live event around a TV special."

NBC's Nativity musical would follow up FOX's upcoming live musical event THE PASSION, hosted by Tyler Perry on Palm Sunday.

The Nativity project is in the early stages of development, so no word on casting. Who do you think should star? Tell us in the comments below!