Leslie Odom in the Tony-nominated Broadway musical “Purlie Victorious,” Sutton Foster in “Anything Goes,” and a London concert by Audra McDonald are among the acclaimed theatrical performances and other theater-related shows that WNET is broadcasting and/or streaming for free over the next few weeks, in various series that the PBS affiliate is collectively calling Broadway and Beyond. Below is a sample:
Great Performances’ Seventh Annual “Broadway’s Best”
The following shows will stream here at the same time
Hamlet from The Public Theater’s Free Shakespeare in the Park was broadcast on May 10th, and is currently still available for streaming here. (My stage review)
May 17 at 9 p.m.: Audra McDonald at the London Palladium, with the six-time Tony Award-winner and a 40-piece London Musical Theatre Orchestra
May 24 at 9 p.m: Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch starring Tony Award-winner Leslie Odom, Jr. (My review when it was on Broadway.)
May 31 at 9 p.m.: Rodgers & Hammerstein’s 80th Anniversary: My Favorite Things (May 31 at 9 p.m.).
STREAM ON-DEMAND
Great Performances: Black Lucy and the Bard – Explore Shakespeare’s love life through the perspective of the “Dark Lady” in this work from Nashville Ballet. Stream now.
Great Performances: Ann – A powerful and revealing look at legendary, larger-than-life Texas governor Ann Richards who enriched the lives of her followers, friends and family in this critically acclaimed play written by and starring Emmy Award-winner Holland Taylor. Stream now.
American Masters: Ailey – Learn about legendary choreographer Alvin Ailey, whose dances center on the Black American experience with grace, strength and beauty. Stream now.
Great Performances: Anything Goes – Sutton Foster reprises her Tony-winning role as Reno Sweeney in this London production of Cole Porter’s classic musical. Stream now.
Bare Feet with Mickela Mallozzi: “Open Stages” – After over a year of live theater, dance, and music being shut down in NYC, dive into what these open stages mean for the city. Stream now.
Great Performances: Much Ado About Nothing – A bold interpretation of Shakespeare’s comedic masterpiece features Danielle Brooks (Broadway’s The Color Purple) and Grantham Coleman (The Americans) as the sparring lovers Beatrice and Benedick. Stream now.
House Seats: Broadway Responds to Antisemitism – Broadway panelists discuss the rise of antisemitism and Broadway’s response through recent productions, with actress Tovah Feldshuh, renowned lyricist Bruce Sussman and award-winning playwright Alfred Uhry. Stream now.
WLIW-FM: Broadway to Main Street – Each week, Larry Maslon showcases the greatest songs of the American Musical Theater, celebrating the shows, stars, songwriters, and cultural phenomena that makes Broadway a legendary place. Stream on wliw.org/radio.
Famous Cast Words: Julie Benko – Actors Julie Benko (Broadway’s Funny Girl) and Lynne Marie Rosenberg (HBO’s High Maintenance) discuss Jewish representation in media and the increase of Jewish stories on Broadway amid rising antisemitism. Stream on AllArts.org/Broadway.
