Jesse L. Martin cast in musical drama pilot

LOS ANGELES – Former "Law & Order" star is the first actor cast in "Hallelujah," a musical drama pilot developed by "Desperate Housewives" creator Marc Cherry.

The ABC project is set in the town of Hallelujah, Tenn., which is being torn apart by the forces of good and evil. But the town's fortunes change when a mysterious stranger comes to town, bringing justice, peace and possibly restoring faith.

The show features a church choir that acts as a Greek choir of sorts. Martin is a veteran of Broadway -- where he starred in "Rent" and recently wrapped "The Merchant of Venice" opposite Al Pacino.