Guthrie's 'Pinafore' Kicks Off PBS Fall Arts Fest

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- The Guthrie Theater kicks off a new performing arts series on PBS Friday night.

The PBS Arts Fall Festival opens with a production of Gilbert and Sullivan's "H.M.S Pinafore" recorded at the Guthrie in August.

The nine Friday night broadcasts feature artists and performances from nine communities across the U.S.

Actor Rainn Wilson of "The Office," who has performed at the Guthrie, will host the premiere.

Guthrie artistic director Joe Dowling directed "H.M.S. Pinafore" for the stage. The comic musical about love at sea features Robert O. Berdahl as Capt. Corcoran and Christina Baldwin as Little Buttercup.

Pearl Jam, banjo music and female rock musicians are featured in future episodes. The series runs into December.

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