Entitled "Shakespeare on the Hudson," the program will debut on Thirteen/WNET Sept. 18 at 8 PM; check local listings.
The program, according to press notes, "gives viewers an intimate look at the backstory and theatrical process of preparing for and performing Shakespeare's Twelfth Night to a sell-out crowd. 'Shakespeare on the Hudson' follows the troupe's core actors through all the real off-stage drama as they prepare for opening night, from the high-pressure auditions and call backs to the final moments backstage before the performance begins. The documentary highlights the story of veteran actress Maia Guest, who lands the part of Feste during auditions but worries whether she can pull it off — an anxiety that's amplified because she is also the director's wife. A pair of rookie actors from Minnesota also struggle to prove they have what it takes to perform Shakespeare before their fellow cast mates, skeptical New York critics and theatregoers."
"Twelfth Night: The Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival" will follow at 9 PM, showcasing the entire production.
WLIW will broadcast "Twelfth Night: The Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival" Sept. 26 at 9 PM with "Shakespeare on the Hudson" following at 11 PM.
Kristin Chenoweth, who received a Tony nomination for her work as Glinda in Stephen Schwartz's Wicked, has been seen on the New York stage in The Fantasticks, Scapin, Steel Pier, A New Brain, Epic Proportions, Strike Up the Band, On a Clear Day You Can See Forever, The Apple Tree, Stairway to Paradise and Candide. The actress won her Tony Award for her performance as Sally Brown in the Broadway bow of You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown. Chenoweth recently released her second solo recording, "As I Am" (Sony Classical), and her screen credits include "Kristin," "The West Wing," "The Music Man," "The Pink Panther," "Stranger Than Fiction," "Deck the Halls" and "Running with Scissors." Chenoweth can currently be seen on the new ABC series "Pushing Daisies." For more information visit www.thirteen.org.