Don't Play Us Cheap

This article is about the stage musical. For the 1973 film based on the stage musical, see Don't Play Us Cheap (film).

Don't Play Us Cheap is a musical play with music, lyrics, and a musical book by Melvin Van Peebles. The musical is based on Van Peebles' 1967 French-language novel La fête à Harlem (1967). Set in Harlem, the musical premiered in November 1970 at San Francisco State College.[1]

The musical was staged on Broadway at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre in 1972; making its New York City debut at that theatre on May 16 of that year where it ran for a total of 164 performances; closing on September 30, 1972.[2] Staged by Van Peebles, the production used scenic designs by Kert F. Lundell, costume designs by Bernard Johnson, and lighting designs by Martin Aronstein. The original cast included Esther Rolle as Miss Maybell, Thomas Anderson as Mr. Percy, Rhetta Hughes as Earnestine, Avon Long as Brother Dave, Mabel King as Mrs. Bower, and Joshie Jo Armstead as Mrs. Washington.[2]

The musical was adapted into a 1973 film of the same name.[3] The film features much of the same cast as the Broadway production; and the film, although released after the Broadway run, was made prior to the Broadway production in 1971.[1][4]

  1. ^ a b Bernard L. Peterson (1993). "Don't Play Us Cheap!". A Century of Musicals in Black and White: An Encyclopedia of Musical Stage Works By, About, Or Involving African Americans. Greenwood Press. p. 112. ISBN 9780313266577.
  2. ^ a b Dan Dietz (2015). "Don't Play Us Cheap". The Complete Book of 1970s Broadway Musicals. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers. p. 114-116. ISBN 9781442251663.
  3. ^ Glenda Dickerson (2008). African American Theater: A Cultural Companion. Wiley. p. 149. ISBN 9780745634425.
  4. ^ Unterberger, Richie. "Don't Play Us Cheap Review". AllMusic. Retrieved 2022-11-06.