BUFFALO, N.Y - WNED-TV will air three unique and entertaining national programs this weekend that include “Les Misérables 25th Anniversary Concert at the O2,” “Behind the Britcoms: From Script to Screen” and “Rock, Pop & Doo Wop (My Music).” 

No one could have guessed on October 8, 1985, when “Les Misérables” opened in London at the Barbican Theatre, that it would become a worldwide phenomenon.  But audiences embraced it from the start, creating a “people’s musical” that has played in 42 countries and has been seen by nearly 60 million people. In 2010, the legendary musical celebrated its 25th birthday and to mark the occasion, producer Cameron Mackintosh staged an extraordinary concert at the O2 Arena in London. “Les Misérables 25th Anniversary Concert at the O2” will be seen on television for the first time on Sunday, March 6 on WNED-TV and other nationwide PBS stations.  It will be rebroadcast on Saturday, March 12 at 7 p.m. and Friday, March 18 at 7:30 p.m. 

With more than 500 actors and musicians — including Alfie Boe, Jenny Galloway, Katie Hall, Nick Jonas, Norm Lewis, Matt Lucas, Lea Salonga, Samantha Barks and Ramin Karimloo — “Les Misérables 25th Anniversary Concert at the O2” includes the October 2010 cast of the long-running Original Production at London’s Queen’s Theatre and members of the original 1985 London cast, including Colm Wilkinson. This concert was also shown in cinemas worldwide.

“Behind the Britcoms: From Script to Screen” will air on WNED-TV on Saturday, March 5 at 7 p.m. and rebroadcast on Wednesday, March 9 at 7:30 p.m.  Join hosts Moira Brooker and Philip Bretherton (Judith and Alastair on “As Time Goes By”) as they take you inside the hearts and minds of the writers, producers and actors who have brought you many of your favorite British comedies.  If you’ve ever wondered how the British comedies you enjoy on your public television station go from script to screen, this program is truly a must see.

Rock and pop legends Ronnie Spector, of The Ronettes, and Jon “Bowzer” Bauman, formerly of Sha Na Na, team up to host a celebration of the best-loved songs from the late 1950s and early 1960s in an all-new concert event.  Recorded in May 2010, this special offers emotion-packed performances from iconic voices singing songs that have remained popular for over forty years.  “Rock, Pop & Doo Wop (My Music)” is part of special programming premiering on WNED-TV and other national PBS stations on Sunday, March 6 at 5 p.m.  The program will be rebroadcast on Monday, March 7 at 9:30 p.m.

Through WNED-TV, ThinkBright and Well TV, Classical 94.5/WNED-FM and WNED-AM 970 The Information Station, the member-supported WNED Buffalo/Toronto provides high quality programming and services that enlighten, inspire, entertain and educate Western New York and Southern Ontario communities. Additional information about WNED can be found at wned.org.