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Performing Arts News, interviews, and commentary on theater, the arts, music, and dance.

Performing Arts

Tuesday

Morning Edition

GOP Visit to Broadway Strictly 'PG-13'

On Sunday, 13,000 Republicans attended Broadway musicals as guests of The New York Times. But the GOP viewing list eschewed many of Broadway's biggest hits, which touch on edgy cultural issues -- gay characters, the Vietnam War, unwed mothers. Jeff Lunden reports.

GOP Visit to Broadway Strictly 'PG-13'

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Monday

All Things Considered

Musical Politics for the GOP Convention

Broadway has been a showcase for controversial political themes for generations. With the GOP convention only blocks from the Great White Way, NPR's Bob Mondello looks at the history of politics in Broadway musical theatre.

Musical Politics for the GOP Convention

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Saturday

In Performance

k.d. lang Looks Homeward on 'Hymns'

Singer k.d. lang talks with NPR's Scott Simon about her new CD, Hymns of the 49th Parallel, her tribute to the great songwriters of Canada. She covers songs by Leonard Cohen, Joni Mitchell and others.

k.d. lang Looks Homeward on 'Hymns'

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Wednesday

Culture

Creative Spaces: Phylicia Rashad's Nature Escape

Tony-winner Phylicia Rashad returns to Broadway this fall in August Wilson's Gem of the Ocean. She tells NPR's Michele Norris she likes to surround herself with nature while preparing for her roles.

Creative Spaces: Phylicia Rashad's Nature Escape

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Mel Brooks: A Lifetime of Laughter

Mel Brooks has made a name for himself with comedy classics like Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstein and The Producers. Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images hide caption

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Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

Movies

Mel Brooks: A Lifetime of Laughter

Mel Brooks has spent decades making people laugh, from '50s TV to such films as Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein. His musical The Producers was a Broadway smash. The comedy legend speaks with NPR's Susan Stamberg.

Mel Brooks: A Lifetime of Laughter

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Tuesday

Monday

Culture

Laurel & Hardy, Auf Deutsch

The comedy of Stanley Laurel and Oliver Hardy transcended the language barrier. But the duo didn't take any chances -- film historians have discovered a rare edition of a classic Laurel & Hardy film where the duo performs in German. Writer Mark Jordan Legan offers an appreciation.

Laurel & Hardy, Auf Deutsch

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Saturday

Studio Sessions

Bob Weir Reviews His Long, Strange Trip

Bob Weir, a founding member of the Grateful Dead, has released a 2-CD career retrospective, Weir Here. The guitarist performs two songs and reflects on music and career with NPR's Scott Simon.

Bob Weir Reviews His Long, Strange Trip

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Thursday

From Our Listeners

The Business Behind Summer Concerts

A glance at this summer's blockbuster concert schedule recalls the lineups of the 70s — until you notice the prices. Baby boomers are paying $60 a seat to catch their favorite acts, but where do you go to see newer acts? Join NPR's Neal Conan and his guests for a look at the business of concerts.

The Business Behind Summer Concerts

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Studio Sessions

Guitarist Richie Havens Live at NPR

Richie Havens is currently touring through November in support of his latest CD, Grace of the Sun. The disc features covers of Bob Dylan's "All Along the Watchtower" and Joni Mitchell's "Woodstock." Hear his live performance — and his take on current summer concerts.

Guitarist Richie Havens Live at NPR

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Saturday

Thursday

Tuesday