The 2016 PBS Arts Fall Festival kicks off Oct. 21 with the premiere of Hamilton’s America, a look at the hip-hop infused Broadway hit about the life of one of America’s founding fathers, Alexander Hamilton.
For all the folks in Chicago who haven’t gotten tickets yet for “Hamilton,” here’s your chance to see at least a little of the award-winning musical. The episode of “Great Performances” will air at 9/8c Oct. 21 on PBS. The Great Performances Facebook page will live stream “Hamilton’s America” through Facebook Live at the same time.
“Hamilton” creator Lin-Manuel Miranda hosts the 2016 PBS Arts Fall Festival. The broadcast premiere dates for the diverse slate of performing arts specials are listed below. The Anne Ray Charitable Trust helps support the 2016 PBS Arts Fall Festival.
2016 PBS Arts Fall Festival schedule
Hamilton’s America
9/8c Oct. 21 (check local listings)
“Great Performances” follows the creation of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s pop culture and Broadway phenomenon “Hamilton” and the history behind it. Interviews with Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush, Nas, Questlove, Stephen Sondheim and more. “Hamilton” comes to Chicago.
Bill Murray: The Mark Twain Prize
9/8c Oct. 28 (check local listings)
Celebrate beloved actor and comedian Bill Murray, the latest recipient of The Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. From the stage of The John F. Kennedy Center, a star-studded lineup salutes the achievements of the comedic trailblazer.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
9/8c Nov. 4 (check local listings)
Join “Lincoln Center at the Movies” as Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre showcases its spectacular range, diversity and artistry. This special presentation includes the company’s signature work, “Revelations,” as well as three other pieces.
Gypsy
9/8c Nov. 11 (check local listings)
“Great Performances” presents Imelda Staunton as the indomitable Momma Rose in London’s hit revival of Jule Styne and Stephen Sondheim’s classic musical. Peter Davison and Lara Pulver also star in“Gypsy,” about stripper Gypsy Rose Lee’s rise to fame.
Alan Cumming Sings Sappy Songs
9/8c Nov. 18 (check local listings)
Get out your tissues for what The New York Times called “an emotional firestorm.” The award-winning television and Broadway star brings down the house with his acclaimed cabaret show.
Lang Lang’s New York Rhapsody
9/8c Nov. 25 (check local listings)
Internationally acclaimed pianist Lang Lang performs a love letter to New York in this “Live from Lincoln Center” special. Leonard Bernstein, Aaron Copland, Danny Elfman, Lou Reed, Alicia Keys, Don Henley and others perform.
Joshua Bell’s Seasons Of Cuba
9/8c Dec. 16 (check local listings)
World-famous, award-winning violinist Joshua Bell leads musicians from America and Cuba. The “Live from Lincoln Center” event builds a bridge between cultures and artistry.
Shakespeare Live! From The Royal Shakespeare Company
9/8c Dec. 23 (check local listings)
On the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death, “Great Performances” presents the RSC’s star-studded gala. David Tennant, Benedict Cumberbatch and Judi Dench perform. Joseph Fiennes, John Lithgow, Ian McKellen, Helen Mirren, David Suchet and others also perform.