Performance & the Arts Programs

Capturing Macbeth

A 120-minute televised theatrical performance, along with 50 minutes of behind-the-scenes documentary, during the final performances of a unique stage production of Macbeth, produced for the Folger Theater in Washington DC by Teller (the magician from Penn & Teller) and Aaron Posner of the acclaimed Two River Theater Company in New Jersey. Including cast interviews, backstage activities and a full multi-camera HD recording of the play itself, this special gives a close-up view of how Teller and Posner have imbued their production with the language of American horror films and the magic illusions for which Teller is famous. Leo Eaton directed for Caragol Wells Productions and the Folger Shakespeare Library (now on DVD release from Simon & Schuster).

Fiesta Mexicana

A 75-minute performance special – hosted by Hispanic singing icon Vikki Carr – that celebrates the music and dance of the different regions of Mexico. This performance spectacular is anchored by a Gala concert at the historic Teatro Juarez in the ancient mining city of Guanajuato. In addition to the Gala, Fiesta Mexicana showcases mariachi and jarocho (the music of the Vera Cruz region) performances at locations around the city and state of Guanajuato. Joining Vikki Carr at the Gala and on location are Mexican singing legends Eugenia Leon and Alberto Angel "El Cuervo," Vera Cruz jarocho group Tlen Huicani and the world-famous LA-based mariachi group Los Camperos de Nati Cano. Joining all these artists on stage at the Teatro Juarez in Guanajuato is the Orquesta Sinfonico of the University of Guanajuato, one of Mexico's leading regional orchestras, and the full company of the Ballet Folklorico of the University of Guanajuato, fresh from their triumphant 2007 European tour. Directed by Leo Eaton. A co-production of Eaton Creative, Habanero Films & Donn Rogosin Productions. Airing on PBS Summer 2008.

Natalie MacMaster, Bringing it Home

A 90-minute special where Natalie MacMaster, superstar Canadian fiddler, brings her unique blend of dance and Celtic fiddle back to her hometown in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. With special guests banjoist Bela Fleck, Hayley Westenra (from Celtic Women) and fellow fiddler Donnell Leahy, Natalie rocks an audience of more than 5000 ‘home town’ supporters as well as taking time to play (with Hayley and Bela) for a dance party in the small church hall where she played as a child. Leo Eaton produced for WLIW (New York).

Tango, The Spirit of Argentina

75-minute performance special about Argentinean tango. First aired nationally on PBS in March, 2005 (Check local listings). Featuring Pilar Alvarez, Claudio Hoffman, Tango Metropolis Dance Company, Rubén Juárez, Maria Graña, Guillermo Fernandez & the Esquina Carlos Gardel Company. Produced by Eaton Creative & Habanero Films for WLIW.

Mariachi, The Spirit of Mexico

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75-minute performance special celebrating Mexican mariachi music, hosted by Plácido Domingo and featuring Mariachi Vargas, Los Camperos de Nati Cano & Mariachi América. Filmed in HD on location in Guadalajara and across the Mexican province of Jalisco. Produced by Eaton Creative for WLIW & PBS.

Classic American Cars of Cuba

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One-hour special that documents two days & a night in the life of the thousands of pre-1960 American cars that still throng the roads of Cuba, and the people whose passion keeps them on the road. To the music of classic 1950s car songs, this special celebrates the time warp of Cuba today – on a classic American car rally across the island, dancing in the 1950s style cabarets and looking inside a society where Detroit’s finest cars have now become Cuban heirlooms. Produced by Eaton Creative for WLIW & PBS.