NPR Classical Stories

Linguist and New York Times columnist John McWhorter joins pianist Lara Downs to explore the history of American music as a joyful noise, even in the toughest times.

"Titaníque," a musical parody of the James Cameron film using Céline Dion's songs, opened Sunday on Broadway after getting its unlikely start in a tiny off-Broadway basement theater.

On a new album, the experimental vocal group Roomful of Teeth and songwriter Gabriel Kahane take up residence in a multidimensional hotel with a time-traveling elevator and a quirky clientele.

Lithgow, 80, plays an intelligence agent in the FX action series The Old Man, and he's currently starring in the Broadway production of Giant, about a troubling side of children's author Roald Dahl.

South Africa's iconic Market Theatre, born in the darkest days of apartheid and a force for change, is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

The motion is part of a lawsuit challenging President Trump and the Center's board, who now refer to the complex as "The Trump Kennedy Center."

There was confusion about whether the satirist would be getting the Kennedy Center's top humor award after White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt called it "fake news." Now it's confirmed.

The groups, which include the American Institute of Architects, are asking for compliance with historic preservation laws and to secure approval from Congress.

The rejuvenated band, sporting three new members, is having more fun than ever. And it shows in these vigorous performances of pieces that are whimsical and socially conscious.

Graham was a creative force in the performing arts. She wanted dance to express authentic, human emotions — a revolutionary idea in the late 1920s.

In a conversation with pianist Lara Downes, the New Yorker staff writer says music in America will keep evolving as long as the country keeps an open door to new people and new sounds.

The Kennedy Center board voted Monday to close the complex for renovations. The vote follows President Trump's announcement that he plans to replace the venue's president Richard Grenell.