‘A Celtic Awakening with Faith Marion Robinson,’ a musical message of hope and unity

comes to public television in March 2023

The musical, heartfelt tale transports viewers to the Emerald Isle through visuals and song

Detroit (January 10, 2023)— The EmmyTM-award winning musical tale, “A Celtic Awakening,” written by Faith Marion Robinson, is a musical message for all humanity that begins with struggle and ends with triumph. It brings together a cohesive message of love, peace and hope as Robinson and her ensemble journey through Ireland, mystically transporting viewers to the enchanting Emerald Isle through songs of the ages. The program, presented by Detroit Public Television, will air across public television stations beginning March 1, 2023 (check local listings) and will be distributed by APT Exchange.

At its core, the story reflects how human struggles are combatted and won through the spirit of faith and hope. With the spread of polarization and global unrest, the story depicts how through perseverance, the admirable goal of striving to live harmoniously together can be achieved by wisely and joyfully accepting our differences, expressed by her rendition of “Let Us Love in Peace.”
The performance is filmed at Detroit’s historic Masonic Temple Chapel, but the story is set in New York City. Onstage, songstress and stage performer, Robinson, creates a musical portal, transporting the audience to Ireland and its breathtaking vistas through scenic visuals and song. Each motif musically represents a theme including Irish emigration, the sorrowful famine and “the political troubles” with modern Ireland positioned as a world leader for peace.

“I’m so excited to be part of the PBS family and share this special performance,” Robinson said. “This program was created with a sense of purpose in the hope of bringing people together—to acknowledge we each can do a bit more to heal the divisions in our ourselves, our families and the world. This powerful message is woven throughout the program by the songs chosen and the moving reenactments that accompany them, and I hope that the program touches all those who watch it.” Songs selections were thoughtfully selected and range in genre, connecting lyrics from cherished standards, pop & rock, and Broadway. Some songs from her repertoire she performs include “Something’s Coming,” “I Loved You Once in Silence/If Ever I Would Leave You” and “That’s All,” along with Irish ballads “Danny Boy,” “Fields of Athenry,” and the Irish lullaby “Castle of Dromore” to create the “A Celtic Awakening” story.

Robinson is accompanied by her band of Irish musicians who play the traditional Irish Uillian pipe along with the Bodrahn, piano, guitar and strings before a live audience with a backdrop of inspiring visuals—from Irish ports and breathtaking countryside to mystical ancient ruins and captivating castles – these destinations magically transport the audience to the enchanting Emerald Isle.

One such destination is the small castle of Craggaunowen where Robinson performs “He Moved through the Fair.” In an ethereal moment, she is enshrouded in the misty countryside of an ancient Celtic village to reflect on a love lost long ago. It would not be an Irish tale without a respite of cheeky fun at “Lannigan’s Ball” or a crossroads gathering at Killarney National Park where Robinson performs “The Kerry Dance” during a summer day in the company of a joyful ensemble of dancers. The performance conveys the audience to the Irish Burren, one of Ireland's most wondrous landscapes where Robinson sings the inspirational song “I Believe” and to Baltimore Beacon in County Cork where she belts out an Irish rendition of “Somewhere/Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” At the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge in Northern Ireland the audience experiences the comforting and moving medley “Steal Away/Bridge Over Troubled Water” and the anthem “The Town I Loved So Well,” an ode to the challenges of overcoming political adversity.

About Detroit Public TV:
Serving Southeast Michigan, Detroit Public TV (DPTV) is Michigan’s largest and most watched television station, with the most diverse public television audience in the country. Each week, more than two million people watch DPTV’s five broadcast channels, and nearly 200,000 people listen to its radio station, 90.9 WRCJ, for classical days and jazzy nights. In addition, DPTV is building the next generation of public media with a rapidly growing digital presence, which now reaches more than half a million unique visitors through its website, YouTube channels and social media platforms each month. For more information, visit DPTV.org.

American Public Television:
American Public Television (APT) is the leading syndicator of high-quality, top-rated programming to the nation’s public television stations. Founded in 1961, APT distributes 250 new program titles per year and more than one-third of the top 100 highest-rated public television titles in the U.S. APT’s diverse catalog includes prominent documentaries, performance, dramas, how-to programs, classic movies, children’s series and news and current
affairs programs. Midsomer Murders, America’s Test Kitchen, AfroPoP, Rick Steves’ Europe, Pacific Heartbeat, Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street Television, The Indian Doctor, Legacy List with Matt Paxton, Lidia’s Kitchen, Kevin Belton’s New Orleans Kitchen, Simply Ming, The Best of the Joy of Painting with Bob Ross, Front & Center, James Patterson’s Kid Stew and NHK Newsline
are a sampling of APT’s programs, considered some of the most popular on public television. APT also licenses programs internationally through its APT Worldwide service and distributes Create®TV — featuring the best of public television's lifestyle programming — and WORLDTM, public television’s premier news, science and documentary channel.

To find out more about APT’s programs and services, visit APTonline.org.