June kicks off an entire summer of engaging television, from Broadway's best to pivotal moments in art history to compelling stories of survival from independent filmmakers. Miss Marple returns with new whodunits, along with PBS' real-life History Detectives uncovering stories from America's past. Enjoy warm summer nights with music, mystery and a thought-provoking new series from Bill Moyers - only on PBS.
In order of airdate:
Miss Marple returns in MYSTERY "Miss Marple, Series II," airing on PBS Sundays, June 4-25, 9:00-10:00 p.m. ET. "Sleeping Murder" is the story of a house with a terrible past, and "By the Pricking of My Thumbs" follows the mystery of two nursing home residents who disappear as the unsolved murder of a child looms. Program Web site: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/mystery/marple/
Broadway's best comes to PBS in LIVE FROM LINCOLN CENTER "The Light in the Piazza," airing on PBS Thursday, June 15, 8:00-10:30 p.m. ET. Winner of six Tony Awards, this musical takes place in Florence, Italy, in the summer of 1953. A surprisingly innocent and beautiful young tourist loses her hat in a sudden gust of wind. It lands at the feet of a handsome young Florentine. They fall in love. As their relationship develops, the girl's mother must reveal the truth that will surely test that love. Program Web site: http://www.pbs.org/lflc/
American mysteries unravel in HISTORY DETECTIVES, airing on PBS Mondays, beginning June 19, 9:00-10:00 p.m. ET. Using the latest investigative technology, a team of super sleuths uncovers the history of herding cattle along the Chisholm trail, as well as the origin of posters for a Harry Houdini magic show and a flag that may have covered the coffin of President William McKinley. Program Web site: http://www.pbs.org/opb/historydetectives/
GREAT PERFORMANCES celebrates modern-day achievement with "Dance in America: Beyond the Steps: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre," airing on PBS Wednesday, June 21, 8:00-9:00 p.m. ET. This program tells the story of what it takes to keep dance modern, art relevant and a legacy alive, as the Alvin Ailey American Dance troupe travels to Russia after an absence of nearly 20 years, moves into a state-of-the-art custom facility and creates a new ballet entitled "Love Stories." Program Web site: http://www.pbs.org/wnet/gperf/
Bringing to light a difficult struggle between life and death, INDEPENDENT LENS presents A LION IN THE HOUSE, airing on PBS Wednesday-Thursday, June 21-22, 9:00-11:00 p.m. ET. This inspiring, harrowing and intimate series follows five children as they fight against cancer with the help of their families, nurses and doctors over a span of six years. Program Web site: http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/
From INDEPENDENT LENS to an independent voice, BILL MOYERS ON FAITH & REASON premieres on PBS Fridays, beginning June 23, 9:00-10:00 p.m. ET. In a world where religion is poison to some and salvation to others, how do we live together? Is the vision of religious tolerance just a utopian dream? These are among the questions Bill Moyers explores with some of the world's most stimulating authors in his new seven-part series. In the tradition of his landmark conversations with Joseph Campbell on the "Power of Myth," Huston Smith on "The Wisdom of Faith" and Mortimer Adler on "Six Great Ideas," these interviews with outstanding writers - among them Salman Rushdie, Margaret Atwood, Mary Gordon and Richard Rodriguez - plumb new ways of thinking about some of the most persistent questions facing us today.
The history of creative expression is the theme of HOW ART MADE THE WORLD, airing on PBS Mondays, beginning June 26, 10:00-11:00 p.m. ET. This five-part series presents an account of the biggest turning points in art history and how these define what we see around us today. It's the story of how, over 100,000 years, the human spirit has conquered obstacles to reach extraordinary heights of imagination and creativity.
The last days of the month prove revolutionary as P.O.V. presents "No More Tears Sister," airing on PBS Tuesday, June 27, 10:00-11:00 p.m. ET. A story of love and betrayal, this film explores the price of truth in times of war. Set during the violent ethnic conflict that has enveloped Sri Lanka over decades, the documentary re-creates the courageous and vibrant life of renowned human rights activist Dr. Rajani Thiranagama. Mother, anatomy professor, author and symbol of hope, Thiranagama was assassinated at the age of 35. Program Web site: http://www.pbs.org/pov/
June comes to a close with an exciting display of talent on IN PERFORMANCE AT THE WHITE HOUSE "Dance Theatre of Harlem," airing on PBS Wednesday, June 28, 8:00-9:00 p.m. ET. President and Mrs. Bush celebrate the artistic legacy and vitality of the Dance Theatre of Harlem in an East Room performance with founder and artistic director Arthur Mitchell and his dancers, and with musical guests Harolyn Blackwell, Audra MacDonald, LeAnn Rimes and Rev. Al Green.
Prepare for a summer of independent programming this June, only on PBS.
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