Directed by Sir Trevor Nunn, and choreographed by Susan Stroman, the acclaimed Royal National Theatre production starring Hugh Jackman in his breakout role as cowpoke Curly reveals the work’s emotional complexity with a fresh approach. The special encore telecast is presented for the first time in high definition.

Stephen Costello discusses his role as Ishmael, or "the Greenhorn" in the San Francisco Opera production of "Moby-Dick." Watch scenes of his duet with Jonathan Lemalu as Queequeg, and Costello's aria, "Human Madness."

Gene Scheer, librettist of the opera Moby-Dick, describes his creative process in representing the novel. He sees the emotional journey of Ishmael (the narrator) and the harpooner Queequeg's influence on him as his best friend as the soul of the novel. After working six months on his own, Scheer traveled with composer Jake Heggie to Nantucket to collaborate. Premiering Friday, November 1, 2013.

Jonathan Lemalu discusses his role of Queequeg in Moby-Dick. He describes how each production has researched tattoo patterns for him to wear. A Pacific Islander, Lemalu felt at ease with what the San Francisco Opera designed. He thinks of the harpooner's tattoos as his armor. See Lemalu in the broadcast on Friday, November 1, 2013, at 9 p.m.

Patrick Summer is the conductor of San Francisco Opera's "Moby-Dick." He describes presenting new work as "one of the most vital things we do in the performing arts" and discusses how a living composer provides additional details beyond what's written in the score.

Composer Jake Heggie describes how the opera "Moby-Dick" came to be, his collaboration with Gene Scheer, and his love for singers. Before he writes, it's important to him to know the singers who will create the roles.

Soprano Talise Trevigne talks about the luxury of working with the composer Jake Heggie while creating the role of Pip for "Moby-Dick." Pip is a male character --- the cabin boy --- and this is Trevigne's first "pants" role.

This eight-minute timelapse video captures 24 hours on the stage of the San Francisco Opera, featuring the crew and cast of "Moby-Dick" in the modes of set-up, performance, and break-down of the set the next day --- all from an unusual aerial view.

See portions of Morgan Smith’s performance as Starbuck, Captain Ahab's first mate, and find out the baritone singer's favorite musical themes and scenes in "Moby-Dick."

Jay Hunter Morris stars as Captain Ahab in San Francisco Opera's Moby-Dick. He talks about the creative process in this interview. Composer Jake Heggie and librettist Gene Scheer’s award-winning opera will be broadcast Friday, November 1, 2013, at 9 p.m. on PBS

Composer Jake Heggie and librettist Gene Scheer’s award-winning opera Moby-Dick will be broadcast on THIRTEEN’s Great Performances Friday, November 1, 2013 at 9 p.m. Jay Hunter Morris stars as the obsessive Captain Ahab in Leonard Foglia’s multimedia production with the San Francisco Opera.

Follow the action as England prepares for war and Henry rallies his forces for battle at Agincourt.

Michael Bublé, the smooth crooner from Canada, sings "That's All" (by Alan Brandt and Bob Haymes) for the Great Performances 40th Anniversary Celebration, held at Lincoln Center in New York City.

Winner of five Tony Awards and two Grammys, singer and actress Audra McDonald sings “Dear Friend” (from the musical “She Loves Me”) for the Great Performances 40th Anniversary Celebration at Lincoln Center in New York City.

International pop star Josh Groban sings “Not While I’m Around” from the musical “Sweeney Todd” for the Great Performances 40th Anniversary Celebration, held at Lincoln Center in New York City.

In celebration of the series’ 40th anniversary on PBS, a stellar roster of diverse alumni gather to share their stories of what the series has meant to them, with reminiscences and performances by Julie Andrews, Audra McDonald, Don Henley, David Hyde Pierce, Josh Groban, Itzhak Perlman, Peter Martins, Patti Austin and Take 6, El?na Garan?a and Michael Bublé.

In this excerpt from Henry V, the king (Tom Hiddleston) rallies his English troops prior to battle with the French. Second only to Hamlet's to be or not to be, Henry V's "Band of Brothers" speech at Agincourt is one of the most famous speeches in English literature.

Jeremy Irons and Tom Hiddleston star in Shakespeare's history play.

Prince Hal (Tom Hiddleston) mourns the death of his father, King Henry IV (Jeremy Irons), and is forced to confront the weight of his new responsibility. This adaptation is part of "The Hollow Crown: Shakespeare's History Plays" series.

Follow Prince Hal’s path to reconciliation with his father and his ascension to the throne.