Ain't Supposed To Die A Natural Death

[Borstalboy]

Posted: 10/4/04 at 7:05pm

Hey, anybody going to see this production of the groundbreaking '70's musical at the Classical Theatre of Harlem?
Anyone read the article in the NYT about this musical?
Sounds definitely intriguing...
Hey, at least I'm shillin' for something that NEEDS the publicity!

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 10/4/04 at 7:13pm

I'm going Thursday, so I'll post my thoughts Friday.

I've been very impressed with Classical Theatre of Harlem so far (their production of Genet's "The Blacks" was one of the real highlights of last season). The cast for "Ain't Supposed To Die" looks pretty impressive -- Ty Jones (Obie winner for The Blacks), Lizan Mitchell, Ron Simons ....... and Ralph Carter, Michael of tv's Good Times (as well as star of the Tony winning musical "Raisin") is also featured. I've never seen the show before (it's rarely revived) so I'm looking forward to seeing a good professional production of it.

[Chrysanthemum62001]

Posted: 10/4/04 at 7:13pm

LOL!!! I hadn't heard anything about it, but it does sound really interesting. By the way, your icon makes me happy!

[~*Triple Star On Broadway*~]

Posted: 10/4/04 at 7:13pm

This definetly isnt a musical that is done that often, at least not up here in Canada.

Anyone want to give a recap of the plotline? Good music? Worth getting the recording?

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 10/4/04 at 7:53pm

The show consists mostly of vignettes, small scenes and poems dealing with the contemporary African-American experience in the ghetto/urban America. The characters are the folks one would find in a typical inner city neighborhood.

Various musicians and scholars over the years have singled out Melvin van Peebles' score as being one of the earliest prominent examples of what we today call rap and hip-hop -- the score is made up mainly of poetry with a political and social message spoken (or sung) rhythmically over a musical accompaniment. Very provocative, very angry at times, as well as humorous and uplifting -- it apparently was a powerful experience back in 1971. I'll let you now how it plays in 2004.

[sweetiedarlinmia]

Posted: 10/4/04 at 8:01pm

How long is it playing, because I would love to see it?

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 10/4/04 at 8:11pm

Through October 31st at the HSA Theatre, 645 St. Nicholas Avenue at 141st Street.

Tickets are $19 -- 212-868-4444/ www.ClassicalTheatreofHarlem.org (I think it's also on smarttix.com).

[sweetiedarlinmia]

Posted: 10/4/04 at 9:32pm

Thanks!

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 10/21/04 at 5:53pm

Because of my crazy schedule and several obligations earlier in the month, I didn't get around to seeing "Ain't Supposed To Die A Natural Death" until last night (my third play in three nights -- a bit much even for Margo). It was most certainly worth the wait. To be sure, this is an utterly remarkable production of a rarely seen work.

Melvin Van Peebles was/is a genius, here weaving together poems, songs and vignettes to create a kaleidoscopic portrait of a day in the life a Harlem neighborhood -- homeless people, pimps, junkies, policemen, business owners, young couples, Muslims, gays and lesbians and just everyday working folk are all seen and heard from and each has an interesting story to tell. I can see why it isn't done too often even though it was nominated for several Tony Awards including Best Musical back in 1971. It's not in any way what one could call a traditional musical, but more of a play with music, and music is used more to underscore and punctuate the poetic dialogue than to be prominent and featured in and of itself. It's so free form and seemingly structureless that it requires a great director and a first rate, energetic cast in order to be successful and fortunately this production from the formidable Classical Theatre of Harlem has both.

Director Alfred Preisser keeps things flowing in constant motion, with several animated and fascinating vignettes occurring simultaneously all over the expansive playing space, but he is able to focus our attention on specific moments and poems when need be -- none of this constant activity upstages or pulls focus, but seems to be part of a seemless whole. Simply terrific.

The cast is uniformly excellent, functioning as a true company with each getting their moments to shine. It would be unfair to single anyone out (I would like to mention, though, that Ralph Carter, who played young Michael on "Good Times," is nearly unrecognizable here in a brilliantly funny turn as a wino). The design elements are all exceptional as well (two nights in a row, I've seen creative theatrical uses for yellow police caution tape).

I have no idea why this show hasn't gotten more press, especially considering the growing reputation of CTH -- it's been nominated for and/or received several Drama Desks and Obies in the last few years, including several Obies for last year's production of Genet's "The Blacks" which was one of the major highlights of the entire 2002-2003 season. Nevertheless it was sold out last night and I believe tickets are scarce for the rest of the run. It's playing through the 31st -- certainly worth the trip up to Harlem for this rarely performed, yet potently evocative show that is receiving an inventive, thoroughly entertaining, flawlessly performed and staged production.

Updated On: 10/21/04 at 05:53 PM

[Borstalboy]

Posted: 10/21/04 at 7:34pm

So happy about this, I wish I was there to see it.

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 10/25/04 at 3:56pm

The show just announced that it is extending through November 21st -- good for CTH. It's a definite must-see!
Ain't Supposed To Die A Natural Death