I Dream is a musical by Douglas Tappin (librettist, lyricist, composer), that tells the story of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s life, culminating in the events leading up to his assassination.
Originally premiering in Atlanta in 2010, I Dream blends musical theater and rhythm and blues, highlighting the pivotal moments of the civil rights movement and Dr. King's personal struggles.
[1] With choreography by Dawn Axam, and designs by Kat Conley (set), Joseph Futral (lighting), Shilla Benning (costumes), and Bobby Johnston (sound).
The production was praised for its ambitious storytelling, with Creative Loafing noting its comparison to Broadway musicals such as Jesus Christ Superstar and Evita.
In October 2024, I Dream was performed in concert at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy, New York, as a tribute to the civil rights movement.
"[12] Creative Loafing reported that "Tappin's hugely ambitious world premiere follows the example of Broadway's big, rock-influenced musicals such as Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, and Les Misérables.