I Dream (opera)
I Dream is a fully through-composed opera by Douglas Tappin (librettist, lyricist, composer), based on the life of Martin Luther King Jr. The world premiere of this "Rhythm and Blues Opera" opened in July 2010 on the Alliance Stage of the Woodruff Arts Center in Atlanta, Georgia. With choreography by Dawn Axam, and designs by Kat Conley (set), Joseph Futral (lighting), Shilla Benning (costumes), and Bobby Johnston (sound). Original cast and creative team. The producers were Dej Mahoney, Cedric Perrier, Tim Bowen, and Douglas Tappin. The cast included: Reception. "I Dream" opened to mostly positive reviews  from both the press and those involved with the civil rights movement. "RollingOut.com" said: "The life of Dr. King as chronicled in the stage musical "I Dream", is right on time as a reminder of what the fight was for. The dynamically talented cast delivered stirring performances to move audience members through each riveting scene." "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 Miserables"." "The Huffington Post" stated: "[The show brought] some of the heartiest former Civil Rights activists in  the house to tears, before raising them to their feet at the finale for, perhaps, the greatest standing ovation the show will ever receive." Nominated in 10 categories for Atlanta's 2009/2010 Suzi Bass Award, "I Dream" won in the "Outstanding World Premiere" (Play or Musical) category. Recording. A concept album of "I Dream" entitled "I Dream (The Concept Recording)" was recorded in 2015, featuring Quentin Darrington as "Martin" and Avery Sunshine as "Coretta" - released for digital download and streaming, including on iTunes, Google Play, and Spotify.