Dr. Smile at Zeiders American Dream Theater

In 1989, as fear closed doors to people living with HIV, a young Black dentist signs on to run a new dental clinic and becomes an advocate for the excluded. This powerful new musical tells the true story of Dr. Valli Meeks, who fought alongside her HIV+ patients for care, dignity, and respect, establishing the first dental clinic in Maryland for people living with HIV/ Aids. Told through the voices of Dr. Valli, her patients and the love that supported her, this musical is more than a story of medicine and activism. It’s a portrait of partnership, a celebration of perseverance, a love letter to the people who inspired Dr. Valli’s life’s work – her patients.