— Alzheimer’s Association and Gdavis Productions team up for production communicating the importance of early detection, clinical trial participation and the need to reduce health disparities in underserved communities —

CHICAGO, Jan. 16, 2024 — The Alzheimer’s Association and Gdavis Productions and Films, LLC, are teaming up again in the new year to bring “Unforgettable,” a dynamic and emotional stage play that showcases the effects of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, to 10 cities in 2024. The play sheds light on the importance of recognizing the early warning signs of Alzheimer’s, early detection and diagnosis of the disease and the importance of underrepresented communities participating in clinical trials.

The 2024 tour will kick off in Miami on March 15-16. It will include stops in Atlanta; Baltimore; Cleveland; Detroit; Indianapolis; Milwaukee; Oakland, California; Pittsburgh and St. Louis. Dates and venues for these locations will be announced in the near future. Tickets for the performances are free.

“The Alzheimer’s Association is thrilled to continue its partnership with Gdavis Productions and Films,” said Carl V. Hill, Ph.D., MPH, chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer, Alzheimer’s Association. “‘Unforgettable’ has provided the Association with an important vehicle to reach underserved audiences that are disproportionately affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias with important disease-related information and resources. Engaging diverse perspectives is critical to achieving health equity — meaning that all communities have a fair and just opportunity for early diagnosis and access to risk reduction and quality care.”

Currently, there are more than 6 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s. Older Black Americans are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease as White Americans. Black Americans are also less likely to receive a timely diagnosis, with many receiving a diagnosis much later in the disease when their medical needs are greater.

Since July 2022, “Unforgettable” has played to capacity audiences in several cities, reaching more than 10,000 individuals, including many personally affected by the disease. The stage play has also allowed the Alzheimer’s Association to engage 150 national and local partners, enabling the Association to extend its reach into underserved communities.

In 2024, the Alzheimer’s Association will work to extend the impact of these partnerships through the creation of ALZ Health Equity Coalitions. These grassroots coalitions composed of national and local partners are tasked with building on the momentum created by “Unforgettable” in local communities. Coalitions will work with the Alzheimer’s Association to ensure greater health equity by improving the state of diagnosis and care for underserved and disproportionately affected communities facing Alzheimer’s and other dementia.

“I am thrilled for the upcoming year of touring with ‘Unforgettable’ in 2024,” said Garrett Davis, “Unforgettable” creator and award-winning playwright and filmmaker. “This time around, my focus is not just on the incredible performances but also on highlighting the profound impact of our collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Association. Together, we’re dedicated to addressing health disparities in communities of color, working towards a future where everyone, regardless of their background, has access to the care and support they deserve. Here’s to a year of making memories and creating positive change!”

“Unforgettable” features a stellar cast of characters who were a part of the drama series “Daddy’s Boys,” including Dartez Wright and Kenneth Pierce. “American Idol” finalist Scott Savol, LeJuene Thompson from Donald Lawrence & the Tri-City Singers, and Yessie Rodriguez from the drama series “My Family” are also featured. The “Unforgettable” theme song was written by songwriter and vocalist Blanche McAllister, one of the lead singers from the Grammy award-winning group Donald Lawrence & the Tri-City Singers.

Gdavis Productions has been touring the country and raising awareness for Alzheimer’s disease and caregiving in communities of color for more than 13 years with the critically acclaimed stage plays “Forget Me Not” and “Mama’s Girls.” Over the last decade, “Forget Me Not” has toured over 27 cities in 10 states in an attempt to close the health disparities gap in underserved and disproportionately affected communities.

“There is a lack of culturally appropriate and tailored programming that resonates with disproportionately affected and underserved audiences as it relates to Alzheimer’s and other dementia care and support,” Hill said. “This community theater gives us the opportunity to deliver important disease-related information in a fun and entertaining way. We want audiences to come away with a better understanding of Alzheimer’s, other dementia and the resources and support that are available from the Alzheimer’s Association to help families who are affected.”

For more information about “Unforgettable” and upcoming shows, visit unforgettableplay.com or view the show’s trailer. Learn more about disease-related information and resources highlighted in “Unforgettable” at alz.org/unforgettable.
 

About the Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia®. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.

About GDavis Productions

Gdavis Productions and Films is an urban theater/film company that has been touring stage plays since 1994. Gdavis Productions is committed to bringing real life situations to the stage that will bring light to issues and concerns that affect our community in hopes of creating a change for a better quality of life for everyone. Visit gdavisproductions.net for more information.