'Making War Horse' - Great Primer for Live Show at PPAC

Making War Horse is the story of how Michael Morpurgo's children's novel became one of the most popular and acclaimed productions in the National Theatre's history. Rhode Island PBS presents the film on Wednesday, May 29 at 10 p.m., with encore broadcast on Sunday, June 2 at 7 p.m.

From its early development in the National Theatre Studio, see how Handspring Puppet Company created the groundbreaking techniques that brought a lifelike horse to the stage. Behind the scenes and into the rehearsal room, featuring interviews with the cast and creative team, Making War Horse documents this unique theatrical collaboration and the creation of a stage classic.

The stage production is coming to the Providence Performing Arts Center, and Rhode Island PBS has tickets for the opening night performance on June 5.

Maple Syrup in Rhode Island

Saturday night, May 25 at 7:30 p.m., Rhode Island PBS presents Maple Syrup in Rhode Island, as part of its ongoing series, Rhode Island Stories. The 2013 SENE award winner for Best Regional Documentary, Maple Syrup in Rhode Island tells the story of Bill Livingston, who has been making maple syrup for close to 50 years. Bill explains the maple syrup process from tapping the trees to bottling the syrup.

How Do You Love An Elephant? The Story of Fanny from Slater Park, Pawtucket

Fanny pictured with her companion Conga between 1993 and 2003

How Do You Love An Elephant? tells the story of Fanny, the Asian pachyderm who lived in Pawtucket's Slater Park Zoo for 35 years. She was loved by the residents of the city, and most would be horrified to realize  she was unintentionally mistreated during most of her stay.

When the city faced severe financial hardship in 1993 and had to close its zoo, the controversy came to a head as those who had grown up with Fanny and those who could see she was suffering battled to determine her fate.

This film recounts the events that led up to the need to have Fanny moved, and the controversy that ensued between the people who fought to keep her and the people who fought to move her. Through archival footage and interviews, the film conveys the love people felt for this gentle animal.

Fanny at Slater Park Zoo (now Daggett Farm)

In recounting Fanny's treatment - both good and bad - during her stay at the zoo, the film raises awareness
about humane treatment of exotic animals, giving the audience an opportunity to reflect and compare Fanny's experience with that of elephants currently in captivity.

WSBE Rhode Island PBS will air How Do You Love An Elephant? on Saturday, May 25 at 7 p.m., as part of Rhode Island Stories, its continuing series of local documentaries featuring Rhode Island people, places, events... or animals.

New Rhode Island Classroom Proves Instructive

Rhode Island Classroom explores the latest technology, lessons, and personnel who are making the grade in Rhode Island Kindergarten through grade 12 classrooms. The new 30-minute quarterly series, hosted by Margie O'Brien and produced by WSBE Rhode Island PBS, premieres Thursday, May 23 at 8 p.m., with rebroadcast Saturday, May 25 at noon.

Five independent stories are woven into the first episode, giving viewers insight into programs, projects, and initiatives that are sparking learning excellence in Rhode Island classrooms.

"I’m excited to be part of Rhode Island Classroom," said host Margie O'Brien. "It gives me an opportunity to profile the best programs and teachers in Rhode Island."

One of those programs is a statewide mentoring initiative aimed at empowering first-year teachers. The Rhode Island Classroom segment features a seasoned educator using his experience and enthusiasm to help elevate first year teachers from a status of 'good' to 'excellent' at a faster pace.

O'Brien also sits down with Education Commissioner Deborah Gist. Back to work after a life-threatening prognosis, Gist is ready to transform education here in the Ocean State. With critics fighting her every move, Gist is moving forward with standardized tests, teacher evaluations, and even pushing for full day Kindergarten.

Imagine the stimulating conversation 100 educators could create if they were able to chat for an hour? It's happening, weekly, thanks to social media and technology. Every Sunday night, EDChatRI, a Twitter site, allows teachers, administrators – even students – to discuss pertinent lessons and policies. Rhode Island Classroom introduces the faces behind the Tweets.

O'Brien said viewers will be dumbfounded over how students at Community Prep solve math problems. The Calculator Club, founded by Dan Corley, challenges students to solve problems in their heads before the calculator gets the answer.

Rounding out the first show is a visit to a school where the lines are blurred between the stereotypical cliques of nerds, jocks, geeks, and popular kids. Rhode Island Classroom shows what appearing in a school play can do for the acceptance and confidence levels of a high schooler.

Future episodes of Rhode Island Classroom will explore new programs, people, and policies that are improving education.

WSBE Rhode Island PBS transmits standard-definition (SD) and high-definition (HD) programming over the air on digital 36.1; on Rhode Island cable services: Cox 08 / 1008HD, Verizon FiOS 08 / 508HD, Full Channel 08; on Massachusetts cable services: Comcast 819HD, Verizon 18 / 518HD; on satellite: DirecTV 36 / 3128HD, Dish Network 7776. WSBE Learn transmits over the air on digital 36.2; on cable: Cox 808, Verizon 478, Full Channel 89, Comcast 294 or 312.

About host Margie O’Brien

Margie O'Brien is a proven communications professional. She has worked as a news reporter and anchor in both the Providence and Boston markets for 16 years. She has hosted TV shows, been a political campaign spokesperson, and served the communications coordinator for a Rhode Island-based non-profit.

Margie is active with McCauley House, as well as serving as a volunteer coach with the YMCA and local Recreation Department. 

Ms. O'Brien received a Bachelor’s degree from St. Anselm College and a Masters Degree in Communications / Broadcast Journalism from Emerson College. Margie lives in Barrington with her husband, three children, and golden retriever, Callie.

About WSBE Rhode Island PBS
WSBE Rhode Island PBS is operated by the Rhode Island PBS Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, established in 1987 as a public charity to raise funds and provide support services for Rhode Island’s public television station. WSBE-DT is a viewer-supported member of the PBS system of public broadcasting stations, and transmits on two channels: Rhode Island PBS (digital 36.1) and Learn (digital 36.2). Committed to lifelong learning since 1967, WSBE Rhode Island PBS uses the power of noncommercial media to educate, engage, enrich, inspire, and entertain viewers of all ages in Rhode Island, southeastern Massachusetts, and eastern Connecticut. For more information about the programs and services at WSBE, visit www.ripbs.org.