January 8-14, 2026 • Monroe, Louisiana
MONROE MLKI Have A DreamWorkforce Development Celebration
Adapted by Herman LeVern Jones
Experience the power and inspiration of Josh Greenfield's I Have A Dream live in Monroe, Louisiana. This official play brings Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s vision to life through music, storytelling, and community voices. Join us for a celebration that honors history while looking toward a brighter future.
SECTION 1
What is "I Have A Dream"?
"I Have A Dream" is a Broadway Gospel musical on the life and times of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., that chronicles the major events of the Civil Rights Movement from December 1, 1955 when Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on the bus to the assassination of Rev. Dr. King, Jr., on April 4, 1968.
The production is a two hour multimedia experience that includes music, singing (20 gospel songs), dancing and more than 125 historical images from the Civil Rights Movement.
This depiction of Rev. Dr. King, Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement gives tremendous insight into Rev. Dr. King's love of his family, his sense of humor and the incredible challenge that African-Americans faced in fighting for basic human rights.
SECTION 2
History of "I Have A Dream"
"I Have A Dream" debuted on Broadway with Billy Dee Williams in 1976 at the Ambassador Theatre.
The play has toured to over 125 cities such as Manchester and Birmingham, England, Luxembourg, New York City, Dallas, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, Anchorage and Fairbanks, Alaska and in Winston Salem, North Carolina at the first National Black Theatre Festival in 1989.
The production has been featured in many newspapers such as The New York Times, The Anchorage Times, The Capital Gazette, The Miami Herald.
SECTION 3
About the Artistic Director
Herman LeVern Jones
Herman LeVern Jones began his theatrical foundation in 1974, when he founded the LaVerne Players, Inc. in Raleigh, North Carolina during his college years. He produced, directed, and performed in over 200 performances as the company's director.
He later graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) with a Master of Fine Arts in Acting. Jones then moved to New York City (NYC) and began working with Woodie King, Jr., successfully touring 30+ productions nationally and internationally for the National Black Touring Circuit (NYC).
In 1989, Jones helped create the National Black Theatre Festival, the world's largest black theatre festival that attracts over 60,000 attendees and has raised $700 million for the City of Winston-Salem.
He has also taught at several prestigious universities such as the University of North Carolina, the Ohio State University and Yale University.
Jones's 46 years of work in the theatre industry has afforded him the opportunity to work with many influential figures such as Oprah Winfrey, Denzel Washington, Dr. Maya Angelou, Sidney Poitier, and Samuel L. Jackson.
46 Years
of excellence in theater
SECTION 4
Major Events in "I Have A Dream"
Part I
The arrest of Rosa Parks on December 1, 1955
The bombing of Dr. King's home in 1956
Dr. King's multiple arrests
Dr. King stabbed in the chest by Izola Curry during his Harlem book signing in 1958
Dr. King's visit to India in 1959
Letter from a Birmingham Jail – The statement Dr. King wrote to white clergymen while he was in solitary confinement in 1963 recited by cast members
The Birmingham Children's Crusade of 1963
Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony in Oslo, Norway in 1964
SECTION 5
Major Events in "I Have A Dream"
Part II
March on Washington and "I Have A Dream" speech
Birmingham Church Bombing which resulted in the deaths of Addie Mae Collins, Cynthia Wesley, Carole Robertson and Carol Denise McNair
Assassinations of President John F Kennedy and Malcolm X
Bloody Sunday at the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama
Lunch counter sit-ins starting in North Carolina
Dr. King's "I've Been to the Mountaintop" speech on April 3, 1968
Assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on April 4, 1968
SECTION 6
Did You Know?
Artistic Director Herman LeVern Jones has been involved with the "I Have A Dream" project for over 41 years.
"I Have A Dream" has toured to 130 cities worldwide.
Yolanda King was a close friend of Mr. Jones.
Coretta Scott King saw "I Have A Dream" in 1984.
Rosa Parks saw the "I Have A Dream" production in 1987. When the production ended, she joined Mr. Jones, cast and Artis Gilmore (NBA basketball player) on stage to give a speech to the audience.
