VERMONT PUBLIC TELEVISION PROGRAM

HIGHLIGHTS FOR

FEB. 28 TO MARCH 6

Feb. 28: Sunday from 1:30 to

p.m., the “Great Performances at the Met” season continues. In this lavish production of Puccini’s “Turandot,” Maria Guleghina plays the suitorbeheading Chinese princess, and Marcello Giordani sings Calaf, the prince who wins her love (and sings “Nessun Dorma”). Andris Nelsons conducts.

At 7 p.m. on “Globe Trekker,” Ian Wright learns about the slave trade in Zanzibar, visits wildlife sanctuaries in Tanzania and climbs Mount Kilimanjaro.

At 9 p.m., “Masterpiece Classic” presents an adaptation of

The 39 Steps,” John Buchan’s adventure story set on the eve of World War I. A mining engineer is caught up in a conspiracy when a British spy is found dead in his apartment.

March 1: Monday at 7:30 p.m. on Vermont Public Television’s

Profile,” Fran Stoddard visits with Kenneth and Joann Davis of Dorset, Vt. Ken is bestselling author of the “Don’t Know Much About…” books. His wife, Joann, is also an author and editor.

At 9 p.m., in “Dolley Madison: American Experience,” Tony Award-winner Eve Best plays America’s first First Lady and the woman who set the model for her successors.

March 2: Tuesday at 8 p.m., VPT encores “Independent Lens: Young@Heart.” It’s the delightful story of a New England senior citizens chorus that has charmed audiences worldwide with their renditions of songs by everyone from the Clash to Coldplay.

March 3: Wednesday at 8 p.m., Henry Louis Gates Jr. investigates the family stories and ancestry of renowned Americans in “Faces of America.” This final episode takes up the ancestor search where the historical record leaves off and links the guests’ distinctive family stories to the family of man. Featured guests include Meryl Streep, Yo-Yo Ma and Eva Longoria Parker.

March 4: Thursday at 8 p.m.,

Life in Washington County” premieres. Reminiscences from local residents and a wealth of historical photos evoke Vermont in simpler times. Produced by Waitsfield filmmaker Vince Franke of Peregrine Productions and professor Bill Doyle’s Vermont history class at Johnson State College, the film will repeat March 6 at 1 p.m.

At 9 p.m. on “Tommy Emmanuel: Center Stage,” the celebrated acoustic guitarist delivers a performance with his trademark showmanship, flawless skills and vast repertoire. During the broadcast, tickets to his upcoming VPT benefit concert in S. Burlington will be made available. Repeat broadcasts are scheduled for March 7 at 8 p.m., March 14 at 10 p.m. and March 24 at 9:30 p.m.

At 10:30 p.m., “Roy Orbison: In Dreams” explores the inspiring life and times – and unforgettable music – of an often under-appreciated pioneer of rock ‘n’ roll. Many of Orbison’s classic songs highlight the film. The program will also air March 9 at 10:30 p.m.

March 5: Friday at 10 p.m., “Independent Lens” presents “The Eyes of Me,” an intimate look at four teenagers who have lost their sight, as they struggle to fit in, prepare for college and live independently.

March 6: Saturday at 10 a.m., “Taking Control of Diabetes With Dr. Neal Barnard” explains how a low-fat vegan diet can help diabetics manage their disease.

At 2 p.m., it’s the latest Vermont Public Television cooking special. “VPT Cooks: Simply Maple” features Vermont chefs and sugar makers cooking up favorite recipes that use maple syrup. Sean Buchanan of the Stowe Mountain Lodge hosts, and cookbooks will be available during the broadcast. The maple-fest will re-air March 13 at 1 p.m., March 14 at 2 p.m. and March 24 at 7:30 p.m.

At 5:30 p.m. on “Celtic Thunder: It’s Entertainment!,” the group of five male vocalists performs a musical revue that spans six decades, from nostalgic Irish classics to contemporary numbers.

At 7 p.m., the new special “More Funny Ladies of British Comedy” celebrates some great comic actors through clips of their funniest moments. Hosted by the inimitable Penelope Keith, it features stars like Mollie Sugden, Patricia Routledge, Dawn French and Judi Dench.

At 8 p.m., “Visions of Canada” takes a breathtaking aerial tour from the Atlantic Maritimes to British Columbia.

At 9:30 p.m., “The T.A.M.I. Show: Rock ‘n’ Roll’s First Concert Film” comes to VPT. Filmed just eight months after The Beatles appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show, the 1964 T.A.M.I. Show was the first concert movie of the rock ‘n’ soul era. This rare film features the likes of James Brown, The Beach Boys, Marvin Gaye, The Supremes and The Rolling Stones. It will re-air March 11 at 9 p.m.

At 11:30 p.m., “The Who at Kilburn 1977” recalls the band’s reunion concert in London.