Miracle on Fort Street

Item Information

Title:
Miracle on Fort Street
Description:
"'Miracle on Fort Street' is about a production of Handel's 'Messiah' as performed at the Fort Street Presbyterian Church in downtown Detroit. But at its heart, 'Miracle' is a story about building community and finding sanctuary from the troubles of urban life. "The Fort Street Chorale is made up of ninety amateur singers from all walks of life: housewives, artists, clerks, lawyers, printers, teachers, police officers and truck drivers. They are black and white and oriental -- from all across Detroit and its suburbs. They are drawn together by the music and through the music to one another. "Pat is a lonely woman, eccentric and unskilled at developing friendships. She is at times desperate for someone to talk to. For her, the chorale is a relief from her loneliness. For Millie, a Detroit police officer, who sees the worst side of city life, the chorale reminds her of life's hope and promise. Bringing the 'Messiah' to life is hard work. Conductor Ed Kingins is demanding. These are amateur singers, but he does not allow them to do an amateur production. The tension builds as progress seems to stop at the final rehearsal. "'Miracle' concludes with the group singing the 'Hallelujah' chorus in the crowded church. When the audience jumps to its feet, erupting into applause, the members of the chorale look radiant and transformed. "The program has been awarded two local Emmy Awards--one for best documentary and one for best field audio. "'Miracle on Fort Street' deserves Peabody consideration for its recognition of the human spirit's ability to rise above the difficult circumstances of everyday urban life, and how music can build community among those who perform and hear it."--1985 Peabody Awards entry form. This documentary begins with the rehearsal two days before the performance of Handel's 'Messiah,? and continues with the conductor describing the mounting pressure of the live performance. This rag tag group represents the Fort Street Presbyterian Church, who is also known for the meals that they serve to the city's large homeless population. The singers in this chorale are of various skill levels, but they are close knit group that supports one another and works diligently to create the best performance possible. Many of the singers share their experiences and love for the chorale group as many of them have been apart of this group for years. The singers support the chorale by making phone calls to support ticket sales, putting posters up around town, and encouraging their fellow singers through one-on-one help and parties. This documentary comes full circle as we return to the opening scene two days before the performance as the conductor expounds upon the time and effort he pours into this group and the final performance. We then see the singers preparing to go on stage, primping, and bidding each other good luck. The conductor sends them off with an inspiring speech that encourages them to perform in a way that could change the lives of the audience. The chorale enters the stage and beautifully performs Handel's 'Hallelujah Chorus.? THIS PROGRAM, PRODUCED BY CARL BIDLEMAN, DISCUSSES THE PART DETROIT, MICHIGAN'S FORT ST. PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH PLAYS IN PROVIDING FOOD, SHELTER, AND COMPANIONSHIP FOR PEOPLE IN NEED.
Production company:
WTVS-TV (Television station : Detroit, Mich.)
Date:
December 1, 1984
Format:
Film/Video
Location:
The Walter J. Brown Media Archives & Peabody Awards Collection at the University of Georgia
Collection (local):
American Archive of Public Broadcasting Collection
Series:
The Walter J. Brown Media Archives & Peabody Awards Collection at the University of Georgia
Extent:
00:30:59.305
Link to Item:
http://americanarchive.org/catalog/cpb-aacip-240-62f7mgk0
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