“Keepers of the Dream” by Joe Cavanaugh, local poet and author, will premiere in Daytona Beach in February in celebration of Black History Month. The show explores the works of Langston Hughes and John Steinbeck, well respected writers of poetry and prose, in the guise of historical fiction as theater.

The men, from vastly different walks of life, meet up in a piano bar one night in 1930s. They share their stories, social commentary, and their works, interspersed with music from the time,  a montage of history, poetry, music, and literature. Their dreams of freedom and equality for all provide the foundation of a friendship that endures.

The second act unfolds in the late ‘60’s in California, when Hughes and Steinbeck meet again to discuss the landscape of change, progress, artistic growth, and the tribulations of the era.  Hughes, a founder of the Harlem Renaissance and a distinguished poet, playwright and novelist, is considered the originator of jazz poetry. Steinbeck, who first found acclaim with his books “Tortilla Flats” and “Of Mice and Men,” won both the Pulitzer and Nobel Prizes for his book, “Grapes of Wrath.”

Pianist Becki Sanford will perform jazz classics as well as improvisations underscoring Hughes’s poems. She is joined by Toni Hunt, featured vocalist. Guitarist Terry Edwards will share blues, folk, and other iconic songs from the 60s.

Spoken word poet and actor Dove Dupree, winner of the 2023 Blackberry Peach National Poetry Slam Championship and many other contests, will portray Langston Hughes. Actor, director, and producer Gary Norris will play John Steinbeck. Norris, well known for his work throughout Central Florida, is an audience favorite.

“You are invited to share and enjoy ideas, music and poetry with these two great American writers and two unique eras of American history and culture,” Cavanaugh said. “The experience will leave you singing, smiling, thinking, and even dreaming about America today."

Deborah McShane, author and director of “Ladies Talking Liberty” and numerous other productions, is directing the show.

The Daytona Writers Guild will present 6 performances of “Keepers of the Dream,” February 9-18.  

A special preview will take place for Volusia County students and the community at the New Smyrna Beach High School Theater on Friday, February 9. The premiere will take place at the Museum of Arts and Sciences in Daytona Beach, on Saturday, February 10, sponsored by Brown and Brown Insurance. A matinee will follow at MOAS on Sunday, February 11.

The following weekend, February 16-18, three performances will be presented in the Stetson Room of the Carleton Union Building at Stetson University in Deland. The play is scheduled in conjunction with the Thin Man Watts Jazz Festival, which is also taking place that weekend. The evening shows begin at 7:30, and the Sunday matinees begin at 2:00.

General admission tickets are $25; preferred seating, $30; seniors, students, teachers, first responders, military  (including veterans), and former Peace Corps Volunteers, $15; Stetson students, faculty and staff, free.

Tickets are available through Eventbrite, or for more information, contact 386-453-5625 or jcavanaugh1@gmail.com.