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Detective Aurelio Zen simply wants to solve crimes and bring justice where deserved but it’s easier said than done when his own bosses are taking part in criminal activity. But where there’s a will there’s a way and nothing can stop Zen from putting in a good-faith attempt at his goals… or is there? Separated from his wife and sleeping under his mother’s roof, things might not be going particularly well in his personal life, but all the better for keeping his focus on each case he encounters. Watch the complete Masterpiece Mystery! Zen series back-to-back Sunday, December 16 beginning at 8:00pm on WETA TV26 and WETA HD.

 

Zen: Vendetta

Zen is on what seems to be a solo quest for the truth when a wealthy and affluent construction tycoon is murdered in his own home. The corrupt Ministry involves itself and urges Zen to acquit the main suspect, all the while his boss demands conviction. The murder presents an opportunity for Zen to salvage his reputation and image. He’s determined as ever to uncover the truth but will the beautiful new secretary assigned to his team keep his eye off of the prize? Oh, and as if she’s not enough of a distraction, Zen must avoid the wrath of a convicted killer on his way to Rome and out to get revenge on those who sent him away to prison – specifically Zen!

Watch Zen: Vendetta Sunday, December 16 at 8:00pm on WETA TV26 and WETA HD.

 

Zen: Cabal

As if solving a crime isn’t hard enough, once again, the search for the truth becomes more complicated than necessary when the Ministry gets involved and directs Detective Zen to go against the law and dismiss the death of a wealthy couple’s son as a suicide. The prosecutor assigned to the case aligns with Zen’s honest objectives and the fact that she is strikingly attractive doesn’t hurt his decision to go against the all-powerful Ministry. As beautiful as Prosecutor Pirlo is, Zen is still interested in the department’s secretary, Tania Moretti. In fact, he finds himself in a sticky situation when he must reject the Prosecutor’s bold advances. As Zen delves deeper into the investigation, it becomes clearer that suicide was not the cause of death and if it was murder, it could only have been the work of a sophisticated and organized criminal group. It seems that nothing in Zen’s professional or personal life can go smoothly, and of course, another man has his sights set on Tania. Will Zen succeed as a detective and in love, or is that too much to ask?

Watch Zen: Cabal Sunday, December 16 at 9:30pm on WETA TV26 and WETA HD.

 

Zen: Rat King

There’s a new boss in town and he’s brought some new rules with him. Mainly on his agenda: no romantic “rendezvous” between his employees. Bad news for Zen, who after much adieu and effort finally transformed his fascination with Tania into the reality he dreamed of…and Ernesto Hueber is about to put an end to it. But his forbidden relationship must be put on the backburner. After all, he’s in a profession of life and death! A member of a powerful Italian family is kidnapped, and paying a ransom would resolve a potential deadly outcome. However, in Italy paying off criminals (even if it’s a ransom) is illegal. He is partnered up with a rival detective who is much more interested in advancing his career and status than freeing a hostage or bringing justice. The opportunist detective even makes a rash proposal to Zen, who is already contemplating partaking in an immoral and illegal activity.  Will he give in to temptation? As always, Detective Zen has someone after him. With so much on his plate and a lot at stake, it seems something is bound to go wrong! The question is in which area will he take a fall…love, his life, or his career? 

Watch Zen: Rat King Sunday, December 16 at 11:00pm on WETA TV26 and WETA HD.

 

Zen may be a detective, but he certainly didn’t appear out of thin air! It all started with Michael Dibdin’s novels. Watch a behind-the-scenes video of the Zen cast and crew discussing the process of adapting the novel for a television series. 

For more intriguing, entertaining, and addicting British programming any day and time of the week, be sure to tune into our 24/7 British program channel, WETA UK. Learn more about it here and explore all the programs WETA UK has to offer.

 

Looking for free, compelling, exciting, and commercial-free movies in DC, MD, and VA this weekend? WETA brings great feature films and documentaries right into your home every Saturday beginning at 9:30pm! This weekend, a 1960s drama-dy and three contemporary documentaries divulge into the many facets of friendship. We’ll discover that no friendship is alike and a “friend” can take on all types, forms, and meanings. Be sure to tune into WETA TV26 and WETA HD every Saturday night for movies galore! 

 

Opposites Attract: Soldier in the Rain (1963)

The most unlikely pairs are proof that opposites attract. Master Sergeant Maxwell Slaughter forms an unlikely friendship with Sergeant Eustis Clay and neither status, nor rank, nor intellectual capacity prevents the two from building an admirable and loyal friendship. Eustis eagerly awaits the end of his stint in the military and his inexhaustible attempts at convincing Slaughter of the perks of civilian life provide opportunities for comedic adventures and antics. As in any good friendship, each provides meaning and importance in the other’s life. But friendships are not without their flaws and their hurdles, and the friendship which forms in Soldier in the Rain is put to the test. What Slaughter and Eustis learn and take away from each other becomes life-changing.

Watch Soldier in the Rain (1963) Saturday, December 15 at 9:30pm on WETA TV26 and WETA HD. Repeats Sunday at 11:30am.

 

Through Thick & Thin: Garbage Dreams (2009)

In Cairo, recycling is a bit more complex than the American standard of sorting plastic, metal, paper, and glass from trash. In fact, recycling garbage is the Zaballeen’s (translating to “garbage people”) livelihood. The Zaballeen make their living collecting and recycling eighty percent of the garbage which accumulates in Cairo. For years, the city had no sanitation service and depended on the Zaballeen. And for the Zaballeen, trash is all they know. But in recent years, the city has turned from tradition and begun to rely on private companies to collect trash with garbage trucks. With machines replacing men, the shift in tradition comes as detrimental and dangerous to the Zaballeen’s future. How will they make a living? How will they survive?

Independent Lens: Garbage Dreams tells the stories of three teenagers experiencing the life-altering transition directly. Adham, Osama and Nabil, all born into the business of trash, must confront the possibility of losing the security their people have had for decades. But, when one door closes another one opens, and maybe Cairo’s stab at modernization is a blessing in disguise for these three young men to pursue new and exciting opportunities.

The United States recycles 30 percent of its waste. Impressive? Not in comparison to the 80 percent recycled by the Zaballeen. How eco-friendly are you? Test your ability by playing the Garbage Dreams online game!

Watch Garbage Dreams (2009) Saturday, December 15 at 11:00pm on WETA TV26 and WETA HD.

 

In Sickness & In Health: We Were Here (2011)

San Francisco is a melting pot for people from different walks of life but they all seek the same things: happiness, freedom and acceptance. For a large population of gay men, San Francisco proves to be a source of solace and a place they are happy to call home. In the 1980s, the city was also the site of what was, to some, believed to be the “gay cancer”, plaguing the gay community and swiftly. Time would soon tell that the mysterious disease was the AIDS virus. At the brink of its arrival, San Francisco’s response to the epidemic showed compassion and empathy, but most significant was the vastly different actions taken by other cities. Subsequently, “The San Francisco Model” became the ideal for creating a healthier and humane society in a world now struggling with AIDS.

Independent Lens: We Were Here tells the inspiring and poignant stories of five individuals who lived in San Francisco prior to the epidemic and were all effected in one way or another by the devastation, loss of life, compassion of strangers, and kindness of humanity that accompanied it. The firsthand stories of these ordinary people who experienced the change and assumed roles as activists and caregivers, friends or lovers to victims of AIDS, and living testimonies of those who suffer from the virus comprise We Were Here.

Check out an educational and informative timeline tracing the history of AIDS.

Watch We Were Here (2011) Sunday, December 16 at 12:00am on WETA TV26 and WETA HD.

 

Man's Best Friend: The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill (2003)

St. Francis of Assisi made it his life’s work to care for animals. His compassion for all creatures is admired and praised long after his death. Animal shelters and advocates recognize the importance of animals and family pets are common in modern day society. Whether consciously or not, one man has followed suit of St. Francis of Assisi and dedicates his days to feeding, caring for and protecting the wild parrots of San Francisco’s Telegraph Hill. He is known as the “Bohemian St. Francis”. Former homeless musician Mark Bittner was on a search for his life’s purpose, and the parrots he affectionately, and rather impressively, recognizes by name just happened to collide with the timing of his search, and help him in ways one wouldn’t think a bird could. 

Not your typical nature or wildlife documentary, Independent Lens: The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill puts the spotlight on parrots but more significantly on relationships between animals and people, and finding meaning in life.

Watch The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill (2003) Sunday, December 16 at 1:30am on WETA TV26 and WETA HD.

Watch a preview of The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill here!

You may not be able to tell “Patrick” the parrot from “Sophie” like Mark Bittner, but learn more about the wild parrots and their background, and explore a photo gallery of the birds.

 

Looking for something to do this weekend in DC, Maryland, and Virginia? Check out our selection of cultural events right in your own backyard!

 

Be inspired by art in Bethesda

The second Friday of the month can only mean one thing: art lovers will descend upon Bethesda for the Art Walk taking place at seven galleries and studios.  Enjoy free refreshments and a chance to discover original artwork by local, regional and national artists.  If you need to rest your legs between galleries, the free Bethesda Circulator bus run continuously with stops within a few blocks from each art space.

Friday, 6pm-9pm

Cost: Free

Various locations in Downtown Bethesda, MD

Click here for more information!

 

 

An Ideal Afternoon for Your Family

If you’re looking for a casual Sunday afternoon, stroll on over to Dumbarton House for The Picnic Theatre’s holiday encore performance of An Ideal Husband. 

Sunday, 2pm

The Dumbarton House

2715 Q Street NW, Washington, DC

Cost: $12 ($15 at the door)

Click here for tickets and more information!

 

Select films opening today:

THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY

From Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson comes the first installment of a trilogy of films adapting the enduringly popular masterpiece The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien.  The three films tell a continuous story set in Middle-earth 60 years before THE LORD OF THE RINGS, which Jackson and his filmmaking team brought to the big screen in the blockbuster trilogy that culminated with the Oscar®-winning THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING.

 

HYDE PARK ON HUDSON  (R)

In June 1939 the King and Queen of England (Samuel West and Olivia Colman) were invited to stay overnight at President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's (Bill Murray) country estate Hyde Park in upstate New York (actually, it's his mother's—he just lives there). This was the first-ever visit of a reigning English monarch to America. With Britain facing imminent war with Germany, the Royals are desperately looking to FDR for support. But international affairs must be juggled with the complexities of FDR's domestic establishment, as wife Eleanor (Olivia Williams), mother, and mistresses all conspire to make the royal weekend an unforgettable one. Seen through the eyes of Daisy (Laura Linney), Franklin's neighbor and intimate, the weekend will produce not only a special relationship between two great nations, but, for Daisy—and through her, for us all—a deeper understanding of the mysteries of love and friendship.

Check out the WETA Around Town Reveiw on our YouTube page!

 

ANY DAY NOW                   (NR)

Set in the 1970s, this drama is about Rudy (Alan Cumming), a drag queen whose outrageous exterior hides a lonely but lovable interior. Going to the apartment next door to complain about noise, he finds Marco (Isaac Leyva), a mentally handicapped teenager, abandoned by his mother who has been arrested for prostitution and drugs. Rudy reluctantly and temporarily takes care of Marco, but soon finds himself wanting to turn his guardianship into something more permanent. Meanwhile, Rudy meets attractive, straight-arrow, closeted Paul (Garrett Dillahunt), who attends his show and likes what he sees. Paul works in the DA's office, which comes in handy when Rudy gets into a fight with social services over Marco. As Rudy and Paul are drawn together and become a couple, they seek to adopt Marco, but meet with prejudice and overwhelming obstacles.

 

THE CENTRAL PARK FIVE   (NR)

In 1989, five black and Latino teenagers from Harlem were arrested for brutally beating and raping a white woman in New York City's Central Park. The policed announced to a press hungry for sensational crime stories that the young men had been part of a gang of teenagers who were out "wilding," assaulting joggers and bicyclists that evening. The ensuing media frenzy was met with a public outcry for justice. New York Mayor Ed Koch called it the "crime of the century" and it remains to date one of the biggest media stories of our time. Each of the five suspects spent 6 to 13 years in prison before a shocking confession from a serial rapist and DNA evidence proved their innocence. Set against a backdrop of a decaying city beset by violence and racial tension, THE CENTRAL PARK FIVE tells the story of how five lives were upended by the rush to judgment by police, a sensationalist media and a devastating miscarriage of justice. Written and directed by Ken Burns (The Civil War, Prohibition, Jazz, Baseball), David McMahon and Sarah Burns.

Watch the trailer here!

 

What can compare to a British Christmas? DC, Maryland, and Virginia are in the spirit this December with the best British holiday TV specials on WETA UK December 21 – 25! So finish eating your pudding and mince pies, get your prize from a Christmas cracker, grab a glass of mulled wine, and settle in for a marathon of WETA UK Christmas shows!

 

Outnumbered Christmas Special 2011 Can’t a family go on a holiday vacation without some kind of mishap ruining it? The Brockmans are planning to fly out to the Canaries on Christmas day but thanks to a dentist, Grandpa, an immature house-sitter, traffic, and two fighting Santas, this family might not make it to the islands after all.

Airs Friday December 21 at 9:30pm.

 

 

Last of the Summer Wine Five back-to-back Christmas specials from one of the longest running British telly shows to date!

 

 

To the Manor Born In this special seasonal episode, it is Audrey’s first Christmas away from the manor but she is not going to let deVere take away her one remaining duty. So when she cannot find the Holy Crib for the Church, she decides to make one of her own, with the help of Marjory and Ned. Meanwhile, Richard plans to do his duty in style. The poor Rector has to choose between Audrey’s home-made monstrosity or Richard’s crassly commercial model.

Airs Saturday, December 22 at 12:30pm and Tuesday, December 25 at 7:30pm.

 

Vicar of Dibley Catch four back-to-back Christmas specials on December 22 and December 25! Geraldine Granger is not your run-of-the-mill village vicar. She is a bubbly, young reverend overseeing an eccentric congregation in a rural community. She and her off-the-wall parishioners have returned for these Christmas specials to bring us unconventional laughs during the holiday season.

 

Mr. Bean celebrates the holidays in Merry Christmas, Mr. Bean! Mr. Bean is very excited that it is Christmas so he befriends a Salvation Army band then drives home with the tallest tree he can find. On Christmas Day there are plenty of surprises under the tree but the gift he gives to his girlfriend is not what she had hoped for, and she leaves him all alone. Even so, Mr. Bean's holiday season ends with a bang. Airs Sunday, December 23 at 9:30pm.

 

Every Monday, you can find highlights of the coming week’s schedule right here on the Programmer’s Choice blog! Continue reading for more about information, photos, and video on the fantastic British shows we have in store for you. SUBSCRIBE TO THE BLOG so you have all the latest WETA Television news including schedule information, video previews of shows, and more!

Monday at 12:00pm Antiques Roadshow BBC season 30 discovers those valuable and not-quite-so-valuable antiques tucked away at the backs of cupboards in Hereford, UK. Always filmed on location, thousands of local residents pour in, clutching personal treasures to be examined, commented on, and valued by the Roadshow experts. Repeats December 18 at 8:30am.

 

Wednesday at 9:30am begin watching the series everyone is talking about as Outnumbered restarts from the very first episode! The Brockmans are your average British family: a house in London, two loving parents, and three children overflowing with personality. Their personalities are great until the parents feel outnumbered causing partially improvised and entirely hilarious situations. Watch this series from the very beginning and return for more laughs every week on Wednesdays at 9:30am and Fridays at 9:30pm.

 

Wednesday at 10:00am catch the first episode of To The Manor Born season 2! Lady Audrey fforbes-Hamilton’s husband died and left huge debts which forced her to sell Grantleigh Manor, which had been in her family for 400 years. Now she lives in a small house on the edge of the estate. It is not what she is used to, but Audrey is made of stern stuff. Grantleigh’s new master is offended by her snobbish instincts but Audrey finds him intriguing. Will these two hit it off or will one drive the other way in madness? Repeats this Friday at 2:30pm & 5:00pm, this Saturday at 6:30am, this Sunday at 7:00am, and next week: December 18 at 10:00am & 7:30am, December 21 at 12:30pm.

 

 

Wednesday at 7:30pm don’t miss season 3 episode 1 of Yes, Minister! As the last season of this iconic series, enjoy the beginning of the end and prepare for the WETA UK premiere of Yes, Prime Minister in February! Download our WETA UK YES, MINISTER SEASON 3 EPISODE GUIDE here! Repeats Thursday at 10:30am, Friday at noon, Saturday at 4:00pm, Sunday at 7:30am, and next week: December 17 at 10:00am, December 19 at 10:30am, and December 22 at 10:00am.

 

Thursday beginning at 8:00pm get your mystery fix with Rosemary & Thyme at 8:00pm, Waking the Dead at 9:00pm, and New Tricks at 10:00pm. Our Thursday night line-up provides a mix of crime drama mysteries which are sure to make you a British television fan in no time.

 

Friday at 6:00pm watch the first episode of season 4, Waiting For God! Take a visit to the Bayview Retirement Village where the food is appalling, the staff treat residents like idiot children, and any show of independence is strictly frowned upon. But two elderly eccentric residents refuse to give in and grow old gracefully just yet. Tom Ballard is a retired accountant and Diana Trent is a no-nonsense ex-journalist. When these two get together, they do more than just wait for their time to pass. Download and print our WETA UK WAITING FOR GOD SEASON 4 EPISODE GUIDE! Repeats December 18 at 10:30am, December 20 at 9:30am, and December 21 at 1:30pm.

 

Friday at 7:30pm start watching the classic British comedy As Time Goes By from the very beginning. In the early 1950s, a young Army officer and a student nurse fell in love. It was a whirlwind romance, but the young Lionel and Jean were separated when he was posted to Korea. His letter went astray and they lost touch. In the early 1990s, Lionel (now divorced) is in England to work on his autobiography, My Life In Kenya. He needs a secretary and Jean (a widow) owns a secretarial agency. She sends her feisty daughter Judith who makes such a good impression that Lionel invites her out to dinner. And, as mother and daughter share a house, the inevitable happens – Lionel and Jean are reunited. Don’t expect them to jump into each other’s arms; Third Age romance takes time. Can they recapture the old magic, orare they too old and set in their ways? Download and print our WETA UK AS TIME GOES BY SEASON 1 EPISODE GUIDE!

 

 

Saturday at 8:00pm finish off season 1 of The WETA UK Event: The Complete Wallander with the episode, One Step Behind. Then at 9:30pm see the first episode of season 2, Faceless Killers.

 

 

Sunday is a great day on WETA UK to try out some new shows. With a variety of genres, characters, and lengths, we’re sure you’ll find the perfect British TV show to get hooked on. Let us know which is your favorite and what you’d like to see more of!

There’s something magical about December in DC: Monuments towering in the grey, snow-flecked sky; holiday lights lining the busy streets; and a frozen glaze over the Potomac River. What’s more, WETA TV26 and WETA HD are delivering musical, traditional, and local holiday shows straight to your home all month long! The hustle and bustle of the season may still haunt you like the Ghost of Christmas Past but WETA hopes to bring your tidings of comfort and joy this holiday season.

The National Christmas Tree Lighting

Tickets to this event are sparse but no need to fret because WETA Presents The National Christmas Tree Lighting December 7!  Celebrating its 90th anniversary this year, well-known entertainers and the United States Military Band will perform and the President will deliver a holiday message of peace to all. Watch the statuesque National Christmas Tree, along with 56 smaller trees (representing the 50 states, five territories, and the District of Columbia) as they are magically lit and illuminate the White House. Check out this interactive Christmas Tree Lighting timeline!

Watch The National Christmas Tree Lighting on Friday, December 7 at 9:00pm on WETA TV26 and WETA HD.

 

Christmas with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir: King Singers

Through the years, audiences have been enchanted by the melodious sounds of the Mormon Tabernacle choir and this year, we invite you to join us for Christmas with the Mormon Tabernacle: King Singers. The King’s Singers is a vocal group highly sought-after worldwide and they’re right here on WETA for you to enjoy this holiday season. The program features holiday songs from the past and present as dancers accompany the harmonious and inspirational singing for a perfect Christmas experience.

Watch Christmas with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir: King Singers on Sunday, December 16 at 7:00pm on WETA TV26 and WETA HD.   

 

Christmas with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir: Jane Seymour & Nathan Gunn

British actress Jane Seymour and Opera singer Nathan Gunn join the Mormon Tabernacle Choir in Salt Lake City for this holiday event. Listen to the season’s most-loved songs at this annual concert, attracting thousands to Temple Square each December. As usual, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir showcases a perfect pairing of classical holiday songs and modern Christmas tunes.

Watch Christmas with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir: Jane Seymour & Nathan Gunn on Monday, December 17 at 10:00pm on WETA TV26 and WETA HD.

 

WETA Guide to Christmas

Let WETA TV be your guide to Christmas in DC! In the one-hour special, the WETA Guide to Christmas, WETA TV presents an enticing list of ideas of how Washingtonians and visitors can celebrate the holiday season well before Santa slides down the chimney. What makes the holidays so much brighter in the nation’s capital? Get the inside scoop on Christmas festivities, activities, and traditions specific to the Washington area. Let us do the investigating, so you can enjoy every moment. We’ll tell you where the best neighborhood light displays are that will bring out the child in anyone. Explore historic locations and iconic destinations with the most elaborate and beautiful holiday décor.  And what would the holiday season be without taking some time to help those in need? We’ll highlight organizations, people, and volunteer opportunities tailored toward this time of giving right in your own backyard.

Watch WETA Guide to Christmas on WETA TV26 and WETA HD at the following dates and times below:

Tuesday, December 18 at 5:00pm

Wednesday, December 19 at 8:00pm

Thursday, December 20 at 2:00pm

Sunday, December 23 at 1:30pm

Monday, December 24 at 8:30am

 

Christmas with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir: Natalie Cole

Multi-faceted singer Natalie Cole has tackled R&B, jazz, and pop, and now she takes the stage with the Mormon Tabernacle choir where she will headline the event, Christmas with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir: Natalie Cole. Natalie Cole’s signature vocal style fused with the sounds of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir-who annually perform for over 85,000 audience members-will surely put you in the Christmas spirit.

Watch Christmas with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir: Natalie Cole on Monday, December 24 at 9:00pm on WETA TV26 and WETA HD.                          

 

Christmas at Luther: Tidings of Comfort and Joy

Straight from the state of Iowa, the highly talented choirs of Luther College bring you an unforgettable holiday concert with 500 choir members, complete with a symphony orchestra. Thousands line up each year to be part of the audience privileged enough to be exposed to the musical and vocal talents of Luther College’s world-renowned musicians. Give yourself the gift of sweet music this year, as the Luther College choir celebrates another year performing their traditional Christmas concert.

Watch Christmas at Luther: Tidings of Comfort and Joy on Monday, December 24 at 10:00pm on WETA TV26 and WETA HD.

 

Christmas on Christmas! 

Only on WETA, enjoy children’s Christmas programs and musical performances featuring world-renowned choirs, orchestras and singers alike all day long on December 25, Christmas Day.  Sustain that warm, jolly feeling with WETA’s Christmas programming.

Tuesday, December 25 from 7:30am to 6:00pm on WETA TV26 and WETA HD.

7:00am             Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas

8:00am             Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About Christmas!

9:00am             Christmas with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir: Brian Stokes Mitchell & Edward Herman

10:00am          Christmas with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir: David Archuleta & Michael York

11:00am          Christmas with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir: Natalie Cole

12:00pm          Christmas with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir: Jane Seymour & Nathan Gunn

1:00pm            Christmas at St. Olaf  

2:00pm            Christmas at Belmont

3:00pm            Christmas at Luther: Tidings of Comfort & Joy

4:00pm            WETA Guide to Christmas

5:00pm            Lidia Celebrates: Holiday Tables & Traditions

 

With such a plethora of holiday events in our region, it’s quite a task to choose the best ones for your already hectic schedule!  Luckily, this is the season of giving and we’re feeling particularly generous.  Take a peek under your cyber Christmas tree.  Our gift to you? A carefully curated directory of our favorite things to do this December in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia.  Now hurry off and have fun — this special time comes but once a year.  

 

                                               Happy holidays from WETA Around Town!

 

SPARKLES FROM THE STAGE

Theatre’s always magical, but something about the holidays makes the stage shine a little brighter after Thanksgiving.  We covered many here in our recent Holiday Theatre Roundup: 

 

Here are a few more performances you shouldn’t tuck away in your stocking; see one now!

 

          Holiday Guys featuring Marc Kudisch and Jeffry Denman

          December 11-16; Cost: Tickets starting at $41

          Signature Theatre – Arlington, VA

 

          It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play

          December 6-30, Thursday-Sunday; Cost: $25.50 for adults; $21.50 for seniors/students

          Maryland Ensemble Theatre – Frederick, MD

 

          My So-Called Jewish Life: Holiday Time Storytelling

          December 15, 8pm; Cost: $17 in advance $20 at the door

          Sixth & I Historic Synagogue – Washington, DC

 

          Seasonal Disorder by Washington Improv Theater

          December 6-22, 8 & 10pm; Cost: $10 in advance, $15 at the door

          Source – Washington, DC

 

          Rep Stage presents David Sedaris’ Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk

          December 20 – 23; Cost: $15

          The Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Center - Columbia, MD

 

           ‘Tis the Season: A concert by the American Youth String Ensemble

          December 7, 7pm; Cost: $15 for adults, $10 for seniors/students

          Vienna Presbyterian Church – Vienna, VA

 

          Yes, Virginia: The Musical produced by Oxon Hill Middle School

          December 6 & 7, 6:30pm; Cost $5

          Oxon Hill Middle School – Fort Washington, MD

 

TWIRLING LIKE A SUGAR PLUM FAIRY

Grace and elegance—don’t we all wish we had more of that, especially as the year comes to a hectic close? Maybe a dancer’s poise will rub off on us. There’s only one way to find out and that means going to a holiday dance performance!

         

          Kwanzaa Celebration with Dance Place

          December 14 & 15, 8pm; Cost: $22 general admission

          Dance Place – Washington, DC

 

          Step Afrika! Magical, Musical Holiday Step Show

          December 12-23; Cost: $35 for adults, $20 for seniors/students

          Atlas Performing Arts Center – Washington, DC

 

          The Nutcracker by Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Baltimore School of the Arts,                   Maryland Institute College of Art & Modell Lyric

          December 21 & 22, 2 & 7:30pm; Cost: Starting at $28

          Modell Lyric – Baltimore, MD

 

MUSICAL MERRIMENT

With carols and orchestral celebrations, ‘tis the season of music!  We’ve narrowed down the list of holiday concerts galore.  And, yes, there’s something about the holidays that makes us feel lyrical.

 

          Florence: Christmas Music of the Trecento

          December 14 – 23, Cost: $50

          Folger Shakespeare Library – Washington, DC

 

          Holiday Pops Celebration with BSO SuperPops

          December 12 – December 16; Cost: Tickets start at $17

          The Music Center at Strathmore – N. Bethesda, MD

          and Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall – Baltimore, MD

 

          Joy of Christmas Concert by the Cathedral Choral Society

          December 15 & 16; Cost: $25

          Washington National Cathedral – Washington, DC

 

          Mount Vernon Flutes Holiday Music

          December 9, 2pm; Cost: Free

          Athenaeum - Alexandria, VA

 

          National Chamber Ensemble Annual Holiday Concert

          December 16, 4:30pm; Cost: $28 for adults, $15 for students

          Rosslyn Spectrum Theatre at Artisphere – Arlington, VA

 

          Take 5! A Cool Yule with the Brad Linde Quartet plus Brass

          December 20, 5-7pm; Cost: Free

          Smithsonian American Art Museum – Washington, DC

 

          Washington Symphonic Brass presents Holiday Concert

          December 18, 7:30pm; Cost: Tickets between $28-48

          The Music Center at Strathmore – Bethesda, Maryland

 

          World Holiday Celebrations by Children’s Chorus of Washington

          December 15 & 16, 4pm; Cost: $25 for adults, $10 for children

          National City Christian Church – Washington, DC

 

STIRRING SIGHTS

Glitter, lights, and numerous other decorations put the winter holidays in the running for the most beautiful time of year.  Honor the spirit of the season (and the visual arts) by strolling out to one of these shows:

 

          Holiday Ornament Emporium

          December 7 – 23; Cost: Free with admission

          Montpelier Mansion - Laurel, MD

 

          ICE!™ Featuring Dreamworks’ Shrek the Halls

          Through January 6; Cost: Starting at $22.99, discount for Military, Seniors and Kids

          The Gaylord Hotel – National Harbor, MD

 

          Joys of the Season All-media Exhibition

          Through January 20; Cost: Free

          Torpedo Factory Art Center – Alexandria, VA

 

STRICTLY G-RATED

The holidays can be fun for the whole family.  Here are a few events that are sure to delight the young and young at heart. 

 

          Baktun 13: A Guatemalan Cultural Festival

          December 15 & 16, 10am-5pm; Cost: Free

          National Museum of the American Indian – Washington, DC

 

          Drumming with Dishes – The Holiday Edition

          December 11-16; Cost: $8

          Atlas Performing Arts Center – Washington, DC

 

          Holiday Films at AFI Silver: It’s a Wonderful Life, The Muppet Christmas Carol, A Christmas     Story, The Nutcracker, Miracle on 34th Street, Holiday Affair, etc.

          Starting December 7; $11.50 for general admission, $7 per child

          AFI Silver Theatre & Cultural Center – Silver Spring, MD

 

          Israeli-style Family Chanukah Celebration

          December 8, 6:30-8:30pm; Cost: $7 per person, $20 max. per family

          JCC of Greater Washington - Rockville, MD

 

          Kwanzaa: A Musical Celebration

          December 28, 10am; Cost: Free

          Anacostia Community Museum – Washington, DC

 

          Kwanzaa Celebration: And a Child Shall Lead Them

          December 29, 12-4pm; Cost: $5

          Reginald F. Lewis Museum – Baltimore, MD

 

          Oh Tannenbaum! Christmas Festival

          December 8-9; Cost: Free

          Goethe-Institut – Washington, DC

 

And for more holiday cheer around Washington, watch our WETA Guide to Christmas online or on air!

 

It was the best of its kind: The grandest, the most luxurious, and the safest. Or so everyone thought. Go beyond the captivating love story from the Hollywood film, and discover the history behind The Titanic: from its three-year and multi-million dollar creation, to its devastation and lingering after-effects.  Join us Tuesday December 11 for two hours dedicated to the Titanic.  .

Although it sunk in the end, the Titanic didn’t go down without a fight. Transport yourself into the ship’s boilers, right after it hit the iceberg where a determined and unwavering group of engineers struggling to survive an unconquerable force. Saving the Titanic takes you below the ship, into the gripping scene that took place where nine selfless men worked tirelessly to delay the ship’s demise and keep the power systems running and the lights on. Watch Saving the Titanic Tuesday, December 11 at 8:00pm on WETA TV26 and WETA HD.

This program also airs Wednesday, December 12 at 3:00pm.

 

Meet those on board the night the unsinkable ship sunk: musicians who played as the ship went down, hundreds of immigrants hoping for a new life in America, even the men who shed blood, sweat and tears to build the very ship that was disappearing into the depths of the ocean. Titanic with Len Goodman explores the different stories of those traveling aboard one ship: The Titanic. Watch Titanic with Len Goodman Tuesday, November 12 at 9:00pm.

This program also airs Wednesday, December 12 at 4:00pm.

 

The Titanic may have ended its voyage in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, nearly three days away by boat from New York, but oddly enough it does have a connection in the nation’s capital. In one of WETA’s local productions, WETA Guide to More Unusual Attractions, explore a carved statue residing in Washington Channel Park that one cannot help but compare to a rather famous pose originating from The Titanic. Standing nobly with arms spread wide open, the statue resembles Leonardo DiCaprio’s character Jack Dawson and Rose, played by Kate Winslet as they stand at the bow of the ship proclaiming, “I’m on top of the world.” The statue was constructed as a tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in the tragedy and officially unveiled in 1931. Watch WETA Guide to More Unusual Attractions Monday, December 24 at 10:00am on WETA TV26 and WETA HD.

WETA UK is your DC, MD, VA all-British broadcast television channel and this week we have new shows, new seasons, and new adventures to share with you! Here's what's coming up this week on WETA UK.

 

Monday at 7:00pm begin watching the new comedy My Family! This British family sitcom follows the Harper family: married couple Ben and Susan and their three children. Each character has a unique and hilarious personality, get to know them Mondays – Thursdays at 7:00pm. Learn more about the series in our Coming to WETA UK in December | New British Shows blog post and download our WETA UK MY FAMILY SEASON 1 EPISODE GUIDE!

 

Monday at 8:00pm join us for the premiere of Reilly Ace of Spies, the suspenseful dramatization of the real-life adventures of Sidney Reilly. Tonight at 8:00, discover the man who was said to be the inspiration behind Ian Fleming's James Bond. Learn more about the series in our Coming to WETA UK in December | New British Shows blog post!

 

Tuesday at 6:00pm tune in for the start of season 4 Born and Bred. Life is changing for the villagers in this new season of the popular countryside drama. Dr. Tom Gilder has left to make peace with his father so Dr. Donald Newman takes over the practice. New face Dr. Logan, young, good-looking and very confident sets feathers flying and even some romantic sparks! Deborah’s pretty, but self-centered and immature younger sister, Nancy, comes to live with the Gilder family.

Tuesday at 10:00pm kick off season 4 of the action-packed detective series MI-5! A terrorist attack hits London and MI-5 has only 48 hours to prevent a catastrophe. Adam faces a life-and-death situation and by going undercover, Fiona hopes to put her demons to rest. Blackmail, manipulation, personal agendas, and more means this season of MI-5 isn’t one to miss! Click here to download our free WETA UK MI-5 SEASON 4 EPISODE GUIDE.

 

Wednesday at 6:00pm catch the first episode of season 4 Ballykissangel! Continue to experience the spark of forbidden love and whimsical goings-on of this rural Irish community. Be sure to check out our WETA UK BALLYKISSANGEL SEASON 4 EPISODE GUIDE to help you stay on top of the drama and excitement! This episode repeats Sunday at 11:00am!

 

Wednesday at 8:00pm open a new case with Inspector Morse: Death of the Self. He and Lewis head to Italy to investigate the death of an Englishwoman. Ruled an accidental death, the woman’s husband thinks otherwise. What will Inspector Morse uncover about this mysterious death?

Wednesday at 9:00pm Detective Superintendent Tennison’s career heads toward its inevitable conclusion in this new story of Prime Suspect: The Final Act. When the body of missing schoolgirl Sallie Sturdy is discovered, the hunt for her killer begins. But as Tennison and her team work to identify their prime suspect, the emotional fallout from the brutal murder starts to take its toll. This episode re-airs Saturday at 6:00pm!

 

Thursday at 8:00pm continue the light hearted mystery series Rosemary and Thyme as they begin a new adventure, Sweet Angelica. While trying to restore the lawns at a school that caters to the children of wealthy foreigners, Rosemary and Laura find themselves involved in a murder mystery. Angelica, an attractive Polish student, spurns the advances of more than one male at the school. When one of her suitors turns up dead, she is among the suspects.

 

Friday at 8:00pm start Fawlty Towers from the beginning! Watch season 1 episode 1 at 8:00pm then stay tuned for two more episodes at 8:30pm and 9:00pm!

 

Saturday at 8:00pm we invite you to the WETA UK Event: The Complete Wallander! Start watching this week with two back-to-back episodes beginning at 8:00pm Sidetracked and Firewall. Learn more about the series in our Coming to WETA UK in December | New British Shows blog post!

 

Sunday at 3:00pm is the first of many new seasons today! Watch the global phenomenon Red Dwarf from the very beginning! On board the Jupiter mining ship Red Dwarf, Dave Lister ranks 169 out of 169, lower than the Skutters, the maintenance robots. Lister has recently been dumped by Officer Kristine Kochanski but is still in love with her. By the end of the first episode, all the crew except Lister dies from a radiation leak caused by a badly sealed Drive plate. Click here to download our free WETA UK RED DWARF SEASON 1 EPISODE GUIDE! Episode 2 follows at 3:30pm!

Sunday at 6:00pm watch episode 1 of Monarch of the Glen season 4! This season brings more drama and romance, be sure to schedule your day around this British favorite!

 

Sunday at 8:00pm celebrate the premiere of Yes, Minister season 3! Government Ministers come and go, but Civil Servants are in the Ministry forever. Therefore it is the job of every responsible Government bureaucrat to ensure that meddling politicians do not rock the boat. This is the last season and certainly one of the funniest. Print and download our free WETA UK YES, MINISTER SEASON 3 EPISODE GUIDE!

Sunday at 10:00pm Doctor Who takes on season 3 episode 1. From the moment the Doctor walks into the life of medical student Martha Jones he changes her forever. Together they find themselves travelling through time and space encountering extraordinary events, amazing worlds and faces both old and new.

 

We're thrilled to announce the WETA UK premieres of My Family, Wallander, and Reilly Ace of Spies! You can watch these new shows plus watch Downton Abbey from season 1 all this December on WETA UK the 24/7 British television channel in DC, MD, and VA! Read on for video previews, descriptions, and more. Come back to the Programmer's Choice Blog every Monday for highlights from the upcoming week's schedule!

 

 

Join us for the premiere of My Family, a British comedy about a family just trying to stay afloat in a crazy world. Dad, Ben is a dentist struggling to understand his wife Susan the terrible cook, daughter Janey the selfish shopping addict, youngest son Michael the brain, and eldest son Nick the lazy goof. Although loving and caring parents, Ben and Susan have a little trouble showing their children these true intentions since the kids are always up to something. Watch this series Mondays – Thursdays at 7:00pm beginning Monday December 3!

 

Reilly Ace of Spies is a witty drama based on the incredible escapades of MI6 secret agent, Sydney Reilly. Reilly was a Brit known as the best spy in the world and is also believed to be the inspiration for Ian Fleming’s famous fictional agent James Bond. This series is based on the 1967 book Ace of Spies by Robin Bruce Lockhart, the son Reilly’s fellow agent Sir Robert Bruce Lockhart. With thrill, suspense, drama, romance, and action, this series has it all. Dive into this exciting and legendary series with us! Watch Mondays at 8:00pm beginning December 3.

 

This month we’re introducing a new complete series for the WETA UK Event on Saturday nights: WETA UK Event: The Complete Wallander! Although his personal life is in shambles due to a broken marriage, a tragic relationship with his daughter, and an aging father, Inspector Kurt Wallander continues to solve heinous crimes as he has for decades. His focus is in high demand as he faces new bizarre crimes that are more complicated than usual. Watch all three seasons Saturdays at 8:00pm. Begin with season 1, episode 1 December 8!

 

Downton Abbey season 1 comes to WETA UK! As season 3 approaches in January, catch up and relive the first season Tuesdays at 8:00pm beginning with episode 1 on December 18!

Hear what Hugh Bonneville (plays Robert Crawley) has to say in this PBS Q&A with the actor!