I Have A Dream, an astonishing Broadway musical that toured the world, again leaps from the history books, revived by non-profit TheatreSouth Atlanta.
Truly entertaining for all ages, the play wraps history in rich layers of culture, and morality. It’s a must-see for thoughtful people everywhere. Playwright Josh Greenfeld’s timeless work will honor Martin Luther King Day 2014, Black History Month and the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the March on Washington. The second world tour begins Jan. 9 in the South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center (SMDCAC.)
A Black Tie Opening Night Gala, Jan. 11, boasts Dominique Wilkins, Atlanta Hawks NBA Hall of Famer; Lina M. Davis, comedienne extraordinaire and hostess of the night; a cocktail reception, and promises to be the hit of the season.
Renowned director Herman LeVern Jones teams up with Dr. Gregory McPherson, Grammy Award-winning music director, to deliver 28 heartfelt gospel songs by Second Baptist Church Martin Luther King Youth Choir with a live orchestra, as 120 historical projections contextualize taut, dramatic re-enactments of quintessential events, Civil Rights Era, Southeastern USA, 1955-1968. I Have A Dream (IHAD) features original choreography by Miami’s Dwight Thompson, MyAct Dance Studio. Mr. Jahi Kearse, fresh from NYC, commands the leading role.
To his credit, producer-director Jones trains amateur locals of all ages and ethnicities for starring, understudy, stagecraft and production roles alongside his core cast of seasoned professionals. Tickets are on sale now at www.ihadtour.com and www.smdcac.org etc. The public is urged to book seats and contribute online for sponsored student tickets, which can literally change a young life, at www.ihadtour.com/sponsor.html. A pair of $100 Community Sponsorships entails the following perks: 10 student tickets funded, donors seated Center Orchestra at Opening Night Performance, Gala Cocktail Reception, plus 10 raffle entries to win a fabulous $8,500 Seascape Villas Dream Vacation in Belize.
Central to this production, based on the words of international icon Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., is an educational curricula. TheatreSouth places paramount importance on student participation, as the $307,520 fundraising goal attests. This sum would fund a staggering 15,376 free student tickets to special IHAD Student- Senior Matinees. Miami-Dade County Public School busses will transport the lucky theatergoers with their teachers, parent chaperones and administrators to SMDCAC Jan. 13-16 and other venues yet to be announced.
Commissioners in Homestead and Florida City have arranged $5 seats for their students and residents at Phichol Williams Community Center, Jan. 24, 4:30 or 8 p.m. shows. Florida International University’s MLK Commemorative Committee offers $5 student tickets for 3 and 8 p.m. show times, Jan. 19 at the Ernest R. Graham Ballroom, Modesto Maidique Campus. General Admission seats are $35 at the latter performance.
Shoppers at local malls have thrilled to IHAD promotional sketches. These excerpted presentations culminate at Florida International University Awards Banquet, Jan. 16, Graham Center Ballroom.
I Have A Dream debuted in 1976 at the Ambassador Theatre, New York City, with Billy Dee Williams in the starring role. It traveled extensively with the legendary Woodie King Jr.’s National Black Touring Circuit, where a young Herman LeVern Jones served as associate producer, actor and company manager. The tour ended in 2003, having visited 126 cities worldwide.
Community/Professional Stars in I Have A Dream include: Alecsys Turner, Chanel Cole, Cherie Bythwood, Cynise Rahming, Dahlia Thompson, Dava Thompson, Davin Thompson, Glenda Scott, Jada Bryant, Jaden Bryant, Jailon Bryant, Jalen Prather, Janice Williams, Jaquana Anderson, Jelisa Smith, K’lyse Howe, Jahi Kearse, Kyron Burnette, Latoya Forman, Lemond Hayes, Maya Dubose, Monique Silvera, Nicole Pringle, Norma Chew, Quincy Bess, Renee-Marie Hooker, Simone Anderson, Taleeyah Johnson, Tanijah Johnson, Tare Glasper, Yessenia Busto, Jessica Laguerre and Elissa Dewitt.
Partners include Florida International University, Homestead and Florida City communities, Commissioner Dennis Moss’ office, State Sen. Dwight Bullard, attorney and former State Sen. Daryl L. Jones, EarthSave Miami, and Miami-Dade County Public Schools.
