Carlisle, making his theatrical debut in I Dream cast in the pivotal role of pastor/friend to Dr. King, sings the stirring anthem at the end of Act I, “Freedom Revolution.” It’s a role and a dramatic musical interlude key to the central unfolding of of the storyline and one Carlisle is motivated in sharing.

“I was thrilled to be asked to participate in this production," he noted in a recent interview from Atlanta. “I can think of no other genre that so fully unites drama and song than theater. In “I Dream,” great songs about a great man come alive before our eyes. It’s a tremendous creative process—stellar writing, with an unbelievable ensemble cast,” Carlisle concluded.

Billed as “The Story of the Preacher From Atlanta,” the much-anticipated musical drama, directed by acclaimed actress Jasmine Guy, opens in Atlanta at the Woodruff Arts Center this Friday, July 9th.

Author/composer Douglas Tappin first began work on I Dream four years ago after arriving from Britain with his family to begin a new life in Atlanta. Tappin quickly became fascinated with the inspirational journey of Dr. King.

The production stars Quentin Darrington (fresh from Broadway success in Tony nominated Ragtime) in the role of Dr. King, and Demetria McKinney (best known for her performance in Tyler Perry’s House of Payne) as Coretta Scott King.

Photo ID: Grammy winning artist, Bob Carlisle.

Having considered London, New York, and Washington, D.C. as possible premier options for “I Dream,” producers Cedric Perrier, Dej Mahoney, Tim Bowen, and Douglas Tappin felt confident Atlanta was the most appropriate city to launch the new production.

A key influencer in Christian music, Bob Carlisle co-founded the rock band, Allies, during the 1980’s, producing a half dozen critically acclaimed album projects that impacted the Christian genre. Solo albums followed in the 90’s as did mainstream success as a songwriter and artist. His song, Why’d You Come In Here (Looking Like That) reached the #1 spot in country music as recorded by Dolly Parton. His 1996 album release, Shades of Grace included Butterfly Kisses, a co-written effort lovingly dedicated to his daughter. It topped multiple genres on the Billboard charts in pop, country and Christian formats, becoming “Song of the Year” in both Christian and country.

I Dream will run July 9th through July 31st at the Alliance Stage at the Woodruff Arts Center. For ticket information visit the official website: www.idreamatlanta.com

View I Dream pre-opening cast rehearsal trailer:
Trailer Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHPw-SJH440