The Musical Dramatic Arts Foundation is proud to premier their community engagement model alongside new productions of I Dream...
The story of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s final thirty-six hours as told through the lens of his closest friend, Ralph Abernathy, I Dream is a musical drama by writer and composer, Douglas Tappin.
The show has a track record of sold-out shows and meaningful community impact, using education and engagement initiatives to reach new and diverse audiences. In 2023, the Musical Dramatic Arts Foundation, in partnership with the Apollo Theater, began developing a new version of the piece, with a book by Tappin and Jonathan Payne, and additional musical numbers.
Book, music, and choreography development is planned for 2024, alongside a variety of educational initiatives, inviting young artists into the creative process alongside Tappin and Associate Producer, Quentin Darrington.
“I dream that our world will live love’s way.
I dream love will overcome,
and bring a better day.
Till that day comes, until its flame appears,
love will be my only theme.
Love is how I dream.”
Lyrics from title Song “I DREAM” by Douglas Tappin
© KoHsb Douglas Tappin. All Rights Reserved
I Dream drew the most diverse audiences in the history of Opera Carolina and the Toledo Opera, with sold-out shows.
50% of audience members were first-time opera goers.
More than 7,500 adults engaged in dialogues about Dr. King's life and message through original community programming.
87% said I Dream inspired them to build on Dr. King's legacy.
80% said they were inspired to learn more about civic engagement.
“Just so powerful, extremely well done.”
Andrew Young, close friend and confidant of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. / former Mayor of Atlanta
“For as long as the eternal shadows of racism, poverty and war linger, ordinary people will always dream of brighter days ahead. And where better, but in a theatre, to do so...?”
The HuffPost
“It brought back what was seemingly left out...what only a novel and a play can do...it really brought it back in the very soul and spirit.”
The Late C.T. Vivian, close friend and lieutenant of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the Civil Rights Movement
“I Dream celebrates the choice to confront injustice not with anger and violence, but with love. This unique retelling of Dr. King’s story will move and inspire audience members of all ages."
Joe Kozakiewicz, (President Opera Affiliates and Director, Michigan University’s Chance at Childhood Program)
"It's a start at exposing future generations to this work in a genre that they can appreciate... We have to keep the legacy going from generation to generation."
Rev. Dr. Bernice King, daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. & Coretta Scott King
"We had the pleasure of hosting some world-class artists, creatives, and visionaries at the Apollo, workshopping I DREAM in partnership with the Musical Dramatic Arts Foundation. We look forward to continued work together, developing I DREAM and pioneering a new approach to theatrical storytelling.”
Kamilah Forbes, Apollo Theater Executive Producer
Help MDAF develop new productions of I Dream to bring to broader audiences, create companion school curricula and leadership development materials, and inspire communities with Rev. Dr. King's life and message.
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