Lamplight Theater encourages visitors to 'Just Dream'

Kingsport's Lamplight Theater asks you to "step back into the rhythm, hope, and heartbeat of the 1960s" with the powerful original musical "Just Dream," a moving production about a defining moment in American history—when courage, compassion and unity were urgently needed, and when young people dared to believe they could change their world. In "Just Dream", a teenage interracial couple faces more than just the typical challenges of young love. A white high-school student and her lifelong biracial friend find their bond tested by society's prejudice and their families' fears when the tragic assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. shakes their community. The two students take a stand—petitioning for their newly desegregated school to integrate the Spring Dance. Their bold request sparks tension, resistance and unexpected revelations within the town. When the dance is approved, it captures national attention and leaves the viewer asking - will harmony win, or will hatred threaten to steal the spotlight? "Experience the message," says the play's tagline. "Feel the music. Witness the dream." I caught up with Billy Wayne Arrington, writer and producer of the show, and asked him where the idea began. Billy, how did you choose a show featuring Martin Luther King? "This show was written to shine a light on the reality of racism and prejudice. What better role model than Martin Luther King, Jr.? His approach to the issue was to remind all of us that we are all God's children and of 'one blood.'" How did Dr. King's life affect your life and your outlook? "I grew up in Southwest Virginia and Upper East Tennessee at a time where prejudice was still prevalent in certain circles, before I went away to Berea College (an abolition school in its origin). I learned that racism is not a societal issue, it's a spiritual issue. We learned a great deal about black history and great leaders such as Martin Luther King, Jr. His dream speech became an inspiration. It's not only a 'race' issue. It's a human issue." What is it about Dr. King that still resonates with today's society? "We cannot erase history or the past, nor can we even stay bitter and angry. We have to use our past mistakes as stepping stones for our future. This ('Just Dream') is a beautiful show about the human spirit and people willing to come together to change their world for the better. The production truly portrays how love conquers all, and that prejudice can be overcome. We love how our cast members are passionate about bringing this story to life, not only reminding us about struggles in the 1960s, but the responsibilities we have in this millennium." Performances of "Just Dream" run Feb. 13 through March 1, Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m., with Saturday matinees at 2 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. Doors open one hour early at the theater, located at 140 Broad St. in Kingsport.Admission is by suggested donation: $15 for adults, $10 for students, $13 for senior adults and free for children 5 and under.Reserve your seats today by calling the LampLight Theatre box office at (423) 343-1766 (Monday – Friday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) or visiting www.LampLightTheatre.com.