Tituss Burgess (“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”) has acquired the rights to the 1996 film “The Preacher’s Wife,” which starred Denzel Washington and Whitney Houston, and was a remake of the 1947 film “The Bishop’s Wife.”

Burgess aims to adapt the film as a Broadway musical, and has already penned the music and lyrics, with Daniel Beaty writing the book.

An industry reading of Burgess’ “The Preacher’s Wife” will be presented in Manhattan on September 12, with Loretta Devine and Ledisi starring, and Olivier nominee Stafford Arima directing.




The Broadway-aimed musical is described as “the story of one woman (Julia’s) journey to find her voice and strengthen her husband (the Preacher) and larger church community during a moment of financial crisis and emotional overwhelm. In a fast-gentrifying Harlem when they’re at risk of losing their church and their hope, an Angel appears and reminds them that a church is not a building, but the people who inhabit it and the love they share.”

Burgess, certainly no stranger to the stage, made his Broadway debut in 2005’s “Good Vibrations.” He’s since had roles in “Jersey Boys,” “The Little Mermaid” and in the 2009 revival of “Guys and Dolls.”