John Monsky’s We Chose to Go to the Moon, which was filmed at Carnegie Hall in April, will make its PBS premiere November 10 at 8 PM ET. The theatrical event, described as a “living documentary” about America’s space race, will also be available at PBS.org and on the PBS app.

Created, written, and narrated by writer and historian Monsky and directed for the stage by Tony winner Michael Mayer (Spring Awakening, Chess),
this immersive theatrical experience includes vignettes and vocal performances by Skylar Astin (Pitch Perfect, Spring Awakening), Grammy nominee Brent Comer (The Outsiders), Claybourne Elder (Company, The Gilded Age), Elizabeth Gillies (Netflix’s Dynasty), Tony nominee Taylor Louderman (Mean Girls), and Grammy and Tony nominee Joy Woods (Gypsy, Six). Neil Armstrong’s son Mark Armstrong and granddaughter Kali Armstrong also perform a special tribute to the astronaut.

The multimedia presentation, which combines, theatre, concert, and
documentary, tells the story of the space race of the 1950s and ’60s,
culminating in John F. Kennedy’s challenge in 1961 to land a man on the
moon.

The performance also features the Orchestra of St. Luke’s, led by
conductor Ian Weinberger, performing music from the era, including “Fly
Me to the Moon,” “Rocket Man,” “Space Oddity,” and “My Generation.” The
story follows the various perspectives of astronauts, scientists, and mathematicians.

We Chose to Go to the Moon was presented by Carnegie Hall as part of its United in Sound: America at 250
festival. The piece was originally produced by American History Unbound, Inc., with
the support of Kenneth C. Griffin in partnership with Griffin Catalyst.

“We
are delighted to once again partner with American History Unbound and
RadicalMedia to bring audiences an immersive new way to experience one
of the defining achievements in American history, the race to put a man
on the moon,” said Zara Frankel, senior director of Programming and
Development at PBS, in a statement. “While the Apollo 11 mission inspired the world to
look to the stars, this ‘living documentary’ reminds us that history is
ultimately shaped through individual lives. As we approach Veterans Day,
it’s especially poignant to honor the service, courage, and dedication
of the veterans whose leadership helped to make one of humanity’s
greatest accomplishments possible.”

“When
future generations of Americans look back at the defining moments in
history, I believe the moon landing on July 20, 1969, will endure as one
of our most important achievements,” added Monsky. “We’re
proud that this show airs timed to Veterans Day—nearly all the Apollo
astronauts were veterans, and their legacy of service to our country is
immeasurable.”

Monsky’s historical symphonic works have includes The Vietnam War: At Home and Abroad, The Eyes of the World: From D-Day to VE Day, and American Heart in WWI: A Carnegie Hall Tribute.

We Chose to Go to the Moon was filmed by and is also produced by RadicalMedia.