I recently had the opportunity to attend the premier of “I Dream”, the new musical about Martin Luther King, in Atlanta. I must admit that I had high expectations due to the fact that Jasmine Guy was the director and she played one of my favorite television characters of all time, Whitley Gilbert on “A Different World”. That fact alone was enough to get me super pumped!
My manager and friend Ray Ware was kind enough to get me and my husband tickets and I am thrilled to say that our front row seats were definitely enjoyed. I have to say that after a year and a half of being away from theatre, my passion was reignighted by the astounding talent that shared the stage of this beautiful show. Not only was the content of the show devastatingly moving but the portrayal of some of the civil rights movements most well know heroes was penetrating and stirring. The voices did justice to the gorgeous score and the acting gave levels of these people that had been previously unknown to me. In a word the night was ravishing.
Theatre and music are two of the most powerful mediums we have in order to convey messages, express our views and emotions and remind people of the love, anger, fear, pain, and beauty of this life both past, present and future. It is powerful and when used correctly can bring people to new levels of understanding and often give them life changing truths. “I Dream” used its power well. I was both moved and inspired and am so thankful to have been a part of such a wonderful night.
Dorothy, Phillip and Bob Carlisle Dorothy and Jasmine Guy
