My Work

Douglas Tappin is the writer and composer of I Dream, a musical-drama based on the last thirty-six hours of the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. which, through a series of dreams, reminiscences and premonitions, explores the conflicts and challenges Dr. King experienced, and fought to overcome while leading the Civil Rights Movement.

I Dream has been performed to sold out houses by Opera Carolina, Toledo Opera and Opera Grand Rapids, on Atlanta’s Alliance Stage, In Concert on the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage, in Los Angeles at a private event hosted by Chaka Khan, to a select audience including Malia and Sasha Obama, and has featured, in the lead role, Broadway and Broadway Touring Actors Quentin Darrington (Ragtime, Memphis, Cats, Once On This Island), and Derrick Davies (Phantom of the Opera). Creative Teams have included Director Daniel Goldstein (Godspell, Come From Away), and Dramaturg Allison Horsley (Jersey Boys).

Douglas has written and composed seven other significant musical-dramatic works including Deliverer, King, Diva, 2042 and Ape. New works presently in development include Miss New York, The 5th Root, Becoming Othello, and Five Days in May.

Douglas' unique approach to writing and composition is full of innovation and authenticity, arising from his inquiring, analytical mind, literary background and gifted musicianship that has included work in collaboration with Greg Phillinganes (musical director for Stevie Wonder and the late Michael Jackson) and Grammy nominated orchestrator Carl Marsh. He is a sought-after speaker and consultant, and his Radio, Television, Press and Event engagements nationally, since about 2010, include presenting at Toledo’s TEDx.