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PBS Offers A Delightful Array of Arts, Performance and Documentary Programs This Spring


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– Programs Include the ‘Stars in Concert’ Specials From LIVE FROM LINCOLN CENTER With Sutton Foster, Leslie Odom, Jr.,Stephanie J. Block and Andrew Rannells, and a New ‘Landmarks Live in Concert’ Special From GREAT PERFORMANCES Featuring will.i.am with the Black Eyed Peas –

– Arts Documentary Programs Include THE JAZZ AMBASSADORS and AMERICAN MASTERS “Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story” –

Fans of PBS arts programs are in for a special treat as an entertaining lineup of concert performances and documentary programs airs just in time for spring. From April to June, arts lovers will be transported to premier concert halls between New York, London, and Cuba for stellar performances from Broadway, pop, jazz and opera stars including Sutton Foster, Leslie Odom, Jr., Stephanie J. Block, Andrew Rannells, will.i.am featuring the Black Eyed Peas, Esperanza Spalding, and famed soprano Leontyne Price. Through documentary specials, viewers will learn more about African-American jazz musicians Dizzy Gillespie and Louis Armstrong’s work during the Civil Rights Movement and Cold War, and actress and inventor Hedy Lamarr.

Full listings for upcoming arts programs appear below:

April 2018

LIVE FROM LINCOLN CENTER – Sutton Foster in Concert

(Friday, April 20, 9-10pm)

Two-time Tony winner Sutton Foster brings her irresistible talent and effusive charm to the intimate Appel Room for a special night with a special guest: two-time Tony nominee Jonathan Groff (Hamilton, Spring Awakening, Glee).

will.i.am and Friends Featuring the Black Eyed Peas – LANDMARKS LIVE IN CONCERT: A GREAT PERFORMANCES SPECIAL

(Friday, April 20, 10-11pm)

Experience will.i.am in a one-night-only event from London’s Royal Albert Hall featuring performances of hits “Scream & Shout,” “I Gotta

Pia Mia, will.i.am

Feeling,” “Let’s Get It Started” and “Where is the Love?” with members of the Black Eyed Peas and special guests.

LIVE FROM LINCOLN CENTER – Leslie Odom Jr. in Concert

(Friday, April 27, 9-10pm)

Winner of the 2016 Tony for Best Leading Actor in a Musical for his legendary performance as Aaron Burr in Hamilton, Leslie Odom Jr., a jazz vocalist with an actor’s ear for a lyric, brings his remarkable talent to this intimate performance.

INTERNATIONAL JAZZ DAY FROM CUBA

(Friday, April 27, 10-11pm)

International Jazz Day 2017 Global Concert at the Gran Teatro de la Habana Alicia Alonzo from Havana, Cuba

International Jazz Day is the one day each year that jazz is celebrated worldwide, bringing together people of all ages, backgrounds and nationalities. Will Smith hosts, with remarks by Quincy Jones and Herbie Hancock and performances by Hancock, Esperanza Spalding, Marcus Miller, Richard Bona, Roberto Fonseca, Chucho Valdés, and many more.

May 2018

LIVE FROM LINCOLN CENTER – Stephanie J. Block in Concert

(Friday, May 4, 9-10pm)

Stephanie J. Block, a show-stopping Tony-nominated performer who was featured in Lincoln Center Theater’s Falsettos as well as Wicked and The Boy From Oz, unleashes her immense voice and bold charisma for a special night of cabaret.

THE JAZZ AMBASSADORS

(Friday, May 4, 10-11pm)

Discover how the Cold War and Civil Rights movement collided when America asked Dizzy Gillespie, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington and Benny Goodman to travel as cultural ambassadors and combat racially charged Soviet propaganda through their music.

LIVE FROM LINCOLN CENTER – Andrew Rannells in Concert

(Friday, May 11, 9-10pm)

Known for his Tony-nominated, Grammy-winning performance as Elder Price in The Book of Mormon and as Elijah in HBO’s Girls, Andrew Rannells brings his signature blend of superb vocal prowess and wry wit to a sparkling set of songs.

AMERICAN MASTERS: Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story

(Friday, May 18, 9-10:30pm)

Hedy Lamarr

Discover the story of one of the most beautiful women in the world, who was also an ingenious inventor. Her pioneering work helped revolutionize modern communication, including WiFi, GPS and Bluetooth.

GREAT PERFORMANCES: The Opera House

(Friday, May 25, 9-11pm)

Explore the rich history of the Met Opera’s Lincoln Center home and the cultural life of 1950s-60s New York City. Features famed soprano Leontyne Price, the Met’s general manager Rudolf Bing, city planner Robert Moses and architect Wallace Harrison.

June 2018

GREAT PERFORMANCES AT THE MET: Tosca

(Friday, June 15, 9-11:30pm)

Sir David McVicar’s new production of Puccini’s classic stars Sonya Yoncheva, Vittorio Grigolo and Željko Lučić. Opera diva Tosca must rescue her revolutionary lover Cavaradossi from the depraved police chief Scarpia. Isabel Leonard hosts.

GREAT PERFORMANCES: Ellis Island: The Dream of America with Pacific Symphony

(Friday, June 29, 9-10pm)

Experience Peter Boyer’s immersive musical story of Ellis Island immigrants through a Grammy-nominated orchestral score, narration and visuals. Conducted by Carl St. Clair with readings by Barry Bostwick, Camryn Manheim and Michael Nouri.