PBS is Your Ticket to the Stage this Season (and Always!)
For many Americans right here in Cincinnati and Dayton, our stations are their connection to the world. We regularly hear that our accessible programming is sometimes the only opportunity people have to explore a new country, visit a National Park or see a Broadway show.
The holiday season is full of theatrical productions, but whether physically, financially, weather permitting or otherwise, we understand that attending these shows isn’t possible for everyone. Through PBS programming, everyone can experience the magic of the season enjoying your favorite ballet compositions and musical scores, with classic renditions and modern reinventions, all from the comfort of your own home.
Forget about the hassle of tickets and traffic and take your front-row seat. Enjoy the talents of renowned groups like Trans-Siberian Orchestra, the Tabernacle Choir and English National Ballet with recorded concerts and performances, available to watch on air on CET or online on the PBS App. Check out the list below:
Christmas with The Tabernacle Choir: Hope of the Season – NEW
Premieres Monday, December 15, at 8pm on CET (Repeats at 9:30pm)
Encore Presentation Wednesday, December 24, at 8pm on CET
Tony Award–winner Ruthie Ann Miles and legendary actor Dennis Haysbert join the beloved Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square for a breathtaking 90-minute theatrical celebration. This holiday special combines classic carols with a contemporary story of how giving back and uplifting communities is the true meaning of the season. Watch it now on the PBS App:
https://watch.cetconnect.org/video/hope-of-the-season-christmas-with-the-tabernacle-choir-qqho9o/.
Great Performances “Nutcracker From English National Ballet” – NEW
Premieres Tuesday, December 16, at 8pm on CET
Encore Presentation Tuesday, December 23, at 9pm on CET
English National Ballet brings Tchaikovsky’s beloved holiday favorite to dazzling life in a new production featuring over 100 dancers and musicians. Reset in Edwardian-era London, the 1892 classic ballet’s young heroine Clara sets off on a fantastical Christmas adventure with her enchanted nutcracker doll to a magical realm where anything is possible. Watch a preview: https://watch.cetconnect.org/video/nutcracker-from-english-national-ballet-preview-ddux5d/.
The St. Olaf Christmas Festival: Our Hope for Years to Come
This cherished tradition presents music for the Advent, Christmas and Epiphany Season, performed by the Choirs and Orchestra of St. Olaf’s College in Northfield, Minnesota. The festival features a rich repertoire of familiar carols, beloved choral works and exciting new compositions. Tune in Thursday, December 11, at 10pm on CET or watch it now on the PBS App: https://watch.cetconnect.org/video/the-st-olaf-christmas-festival-our-hope-for-years-to-come-9z4xcg/.
All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914
This musical tells a remarkable true story of The Western Front at Christmas 1914 through the words and songs of the men who lived it. A German soldier stepped into No Man’s Land singing “Stille Nacht,” and thus began an extraordinary night of camaraderie, music and peace. Tune in Thursday, December 18, at 9:30pm on CET/ThinkTV16 or watch it now with CET Passport: https://watch.cetconnect.org/video/full-episode-all-is-calm-the-christmas-truce-of-1914-zepfsb/.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra: Ghosts of Christmas Eve
This allegorical rock opera from Trans-Siberian Orchestra tells the story of a runaway girl who turns her life around on a snowy Christmas Eve. Narrated by the late Ossie Davis, this fantasy trip through the magic of Christmas features musical performances by singers Jewel and Michael Crawford. Watch it now with CET Passport: https://watch.cetconnect.org/video/trans-siberian-orchestra-ghosts-of-christmas-eve-vibhxo/.
Anthony Williams’ Urban Nutcracker
This production puts a modern spin on the 19th-century fairytale, blending the smooth sounds of Duke Ellington with the heartbeat of Tchaikovsky. Featuring a fusion of dance styles, including classical ballet, urban tap and jazz, the performance is a celebration of cultures. This year marks the 25th anniversary of Urban Nutcracker, watch it now with CET Passport: https://watch.cetconnect.org/video/anthony-williams-urban-nutcracker-EiR6bI/.
A Swinging Christmas – Live at WHRO
Jae Sinnett’s “Zero to 60” Quartet and special guest Randy Brecker swing into the holiday season with renditions of timeless Christmas songs, recorded at public radio broadcast radio station WHRO. From “Sleigh Ride” to “Silent Night,” these world-renowned artists put a jazzy twist on classic tunes. Watch it now on the PBS App: https://watch.cetconnect.org/video/a-swinging-christmas-live-at-whro-samhqb/.
1222 Oceanfront: A Black Family Christmas
Written by the late, local playwright Dea Hurston, this festive musical follows Dorothy Black and her family on Christmas Eve at 1222 Oceanfront. Recorded live at The New Village Arts Theatre in California, the show features the family’s traditions including an abundance of delicious food, dancing, skits and original holiday songs mixed with re-imagined carols. Watch it now on the PBS App: https://watch.cetconnect.org/video/1222-oceanfront-a-black-family-christmas-bsx8nq/.
George Perris – The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!
From his home country, George Perris and his luscious 18-member band present this holiday celebration, filmed at the Piraeus Theater, one of the most beautiful theaters in Europe. In addition to beloved Christmas carols, George and the band perform spiritual and uplifting songs with a Greek flair. Watch it now with CET Passport: https://watch.cetconnect.org/video/george-perris-the-most-wonderful-time-of-the-year-zHwbhP/.
In Performance at the White House “Spirit of the Season”
This dazzling music special celebrates the holidays and highlights the seasonal décor at the White House. Hosted by actress Jennifer Garner, the 2021 program features special remarks by former President Joe Biden and former First Lady Jill Biden and musical performances by Andrea Bocelli, Pentatonix, the Jonas Brothers and others. Watch it now on the PBS App: https://watch.cetconnect.org/video/spirit-of-the-season-wh1gsu/.
Explore more musical and theatrical productions, including Shakespeare classics like “Hamlet” and “Twelfth Night” and broadway hits like “Kiss Me, Kate” and “Next to Normal,” on the PBS App: https://watch.cetconnect.org/explore/arts/.
