After months of secrecy amid speculation by local media watchers, WSBE Rhode Island PBS President David W. Piccerelli today announced the host of High School Quiz Show: Rhode Island® will be John O'Hurley.
The award-winning television and Broadway actor, voice-over talent, composer, and best-selling author is best known for his wry and witty portrayal of J. Peterman on Seinfeld. The host of Family Feud for four seasons, and a celebrity contestant in the first season of Dancing with the Stars, Mr. O'Hurley is also a graduate of Providence College. He returns to Providence on November 11 to host the two-day single-elimination tournament that will crown one champion among eight qualifying high school teams.
"We are thrilled to welcome John back to Rhode Island, and to be able to feature his talent on the show," said Mr. Piccerelli. "John brings a signature poise and vitality to his every performance. We look forward to capturing the special energy he generates among the students, and sharing it with our audience."
High School Quiz Show: Rhode Island is the newest opportunity for Rhode Island high school students to vie for the glory of a championship title. Of the eight teams that qualified for the quarterfinals, Barrington High School (Barrington) faces Exeter - West Greenwich Senior High School (West Greenwich) in the first match; Lincoln Senior High School (Lincoln) faces Classical High School (Providence) in the second match; Bishop Hendricken High School (Warwick) faces Lincoln School (Providence) in the third match, and LaSalle Academy (Providence) faces Mount Saint Charles Academy (Woonsocket) in the fourth quarterfinal round.
The winners of the matches played on Saturday, November 11, will advance to the semi-final rounds and the championship match on Sunday, November 12. The seven rounds will be taped as they are played over two days, and broadcast over seven weeks in the spring of 2018 on Rhode Island PBS.
"Everything we and the students have been working hard to accomplish will culminate in one weekend," said John H. Smith, producer of High School Quiz Show: Rhode Island. "We are looking forward to producing great local television and celebrating the academic achievement of our students. Having John O'Hurley as the show's host cinches it. This will be a valuable experience and a series of exciting contests for the students, the schools, and their families and friends, as well as our viewers."
To preserve the integrity of the competition, the set will be closed to the public. The studio audience is strictly limited to reserved tickets only, available through the schools. A limited number of audience tickets for the semifinals and final match on Sunday, November 12 may become available after 7 p.m. on Saturday, November 11, on a first come, first served basis. Tickets are free. There is no admission without a ticket.
Visit ripbs.org for ticket information, game rules, and other relevant information about High School Quiz Show: Rhode Island. The site also has information about corporate sponsorship opportunities.
CLICK HERE for more about John O'Hurley.
CLICK HERE for the Saturday, November 11 matches and taping schedule.
High School Quiz Show®, the High School Quiz Show logo and its related indicia are trademarks of WGBH Educational Foundation, used under license.
