PBS' Great Performances currently has the pro-shot "Next To Normal" available to stream through the PBS app or website, just thought you might like to know and spread the word. Also, while people are at it they should support PBS since it's under attack by the current administration.
This is true, and I won't get into why I was desperate for this production to transfer to Broadway in the fall because it has nothing to do with the production itself and everything to do with what it would mean for another revival's casting. But I digress.
Next to Normal is currently streaming on PBS through 6/30/2025. It is the first of several shows to be airing in May. It was filmed in the West End and stars Caissie Levy in a heavily modified/censored presentation (specifically done for the broadcast).
Yellow Face premieres this Friday, May 16, 2025. Daniel Dae Kim stars as an Asian American playwright who protests “yellowface” casting in the musical “Miss Saigon” only to mistakenly cast a white actor as the Asian lead in his own play. Kim is nominated for a Tony this season and is the first AAPI actor in his category to have this honor.
On May 18, Tosca with Lise Davidsen and Freddie De Tommaso will premiere. This is a Met Opera production and was first filmed as part of the opera's Live in HD series.
Girl from the North Country premieres on May 23. This proshot was filmed in April 2022 (I was there). The production opened and closed on Broadway three times due to pandemic-related reasons. It stars Mare Winningham, Luba Mason, Jeannette Bayardelle, and many others.
Another West End show, Kiss Me, Kate starring Stephanie J. Block and Adrian Dunbar premieres May 30. This production was directed by Bartlett Sher and choreographed by Anthony Van Laast, and ran in the West End last summer.
Recently, the current administration head has signed an executive order “to cease Federal funding for NPR and PBS." A reminder that executive orders are NOT policy in and of themselves. That's not how any of this works. However, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting said last week that the Department of Education has ended a federal grant that would have funded vital children's programs.
PBS and NPR have stated that they will be fighting these orders in court. At this time, please support these services in any way you can, including just by watching their programming. A demonstrated interest and "value" is imperative.
