Tube Notes

By Mike Hughes,
Gannett News Service

Tonight's Must-See

"Great Performances: Oklahoma," 8 p.m., PBS. Here is one of the greatest musicals, filled with the macho energy of the American frontier. Surprisingly, it's a British production from the Royal National Theatre. It's superbly executed. Hugh Jackman — an Australian best known for playing Wolverine in the "X-Men" movies — is terrific as cowboy Curly. Josefina Gabrielle is radiant as Laurey, his love interest. The lone American with a key role is Shuler Hensley. As Jud Fry, he is big and menacing, yet empathetic. This is the full musical, filling up four hours of TV time. After being taped in 1999 (when Jackman and Hensley won Olivier Awards in London), this "Oklahoma" finally reaches American television, and it was worth waiting for.

Of Note

"Friends," 7 p.m. and 8:15 p.m., NBC. It's a "Friends" feast — two extra-long episodes, for two hours of fun reruns. First, we get last season's finale with everyone in Barbados; Ross gets closer to Charlie, Rachel kisses Joey, and Mike and David both want Phoebe. Then comes this year's season-opener with Joey and Rachel trying to tell Ross about the kiss.

"Dr. Dolittle 2" (2001), 7 p.m., Fox. Eddie Murphy returns to his role as the doctor who can talk to and listen to the animals.

"CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," 8 p.m., CBS. In this rerun, when a boxer dies in the ring Grissom suspects it was murder.

"Hope & Faith," 8:30 p.m., ABC. Robert Wagner plays the sisters' father, visiting for Thanksgiving dinner.

"Harry for the Holidays," 9 p.m., NBC. Harry Connick Jr. offers a new Christmas special with old favorites. He sings the traditional songs plus two new ones he's written. Guests are Whoopi Goldberg, Marc Anthony, Nathan Lane and gospel singer Kim Burrell.