I Dream...

Listen | Critical Acclaim & Impact | Creative Team | What's Next


Listen to the music of "I Dream..."

“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

Community Impact through Opera Carolina & Toledo Opera

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.

Words of Support for "I Dream..."

“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

Give

Your support will help MDAF develop new productions of I Dream to bring to broader audiences, including making its way to Broadway. A donation also helps us to continue to create companion school curricula and leadership development materials in the spirit and teachings of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

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