TV series
The best in the performing arts from across America and around the world including a diverse programming portfolio of classical music, opera, popular song, musical theater, dance, drama, and performance documentaries.
Streaming, rental and purchase options
Checked Sep 1, 2026
Great Performances is available to stream on DirecTV On Demand and YouTube TV in United States. Use the direct links below to open the provider.
The best in the performing arts from across America and around the world including a diverse programming portfolio of classical music, opera, popular song, musical theater, dance, drama, and performance documentaries.
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 1
A collective journey from synagogue choirs to Harlem hot spots, from Yiddish theater to musical extravaganza, from klezmer to ragtime, from symphonic jazz to swing. All the way from the Bowery to Tin Pan Alley to Broadway to Hollywood - FROM SHTETL TO SWING recounts the ebullient story of a musical metamorphosis born in darkest Russia.
Where to watch Great PerformancesEpisode 2
Guest stars Brent Barrett, Rachel York
Episode 3
Guest stars Renée Fleming, Bryn Terfel
Episode 6
Guest stars Salvatore Licitra, Lyn May, Marcelo Álvarez
Episode 15
A concert version of the popular radio program.
Guest stars Meryl Streep, The Wailin' Jennys
Episode information updated Sep 14, 2026
Bray PoorNarrator (voice)
Rue McClanahanFaye Precious
Frederick CoffinSecond Guard
Geraldine FitzgeraldMrs.Atkins
Frank LangellaKonstantin Treplev
Charles KimbroughDr.Spiga
Stephen SondheimSelf
PBSUnited States
ThirteenUnited States
