Jesse L. Martin has joined the cast of ABC’s new pilot ‘Hallelujah,’ tvguide.com is reporting. The star, who first rose to fame after appearing in the Broadway production of ‘Rent’ and on nine seasons of ‘Law & Order,’ is the first actor to be cast in the project, which is being developed by ‘Desperate Housewives’ creator Marc Cherry.

The show, which Cherry has described as “‘Glee’ for conservative Republicans,” is set in Hallelujah, Tennessee. A stranger arrives in the town, which is being torn apart by forces of good and evil, to restore justice and faith. ‘Hallelujah’ will feature a gospel choir, which will serve as a Greek chorus. Cherry has also described ‘Hallelujah’ as a “cross between ‘Touched By An Angel’ and ‘Dallas.'”

Cherry said he feels a sense of gratitude towards the time in his life when a business manager stole his money, and credits it as his inspiration to creating ‘Hallelujah.’ He also acknowledges the 1947 film ‘The Bishop’s Wife,’ as the movie follows an angel, played by Cary Grant, who arrives in a small town.

Written by: Karen Benardello