Ain't Supposed to Die a Natural Death Begins Free Brooklyn Run July 25

By Adam Hetrick
25 Jul 2008

Melvin Van Peebles' 1971 musical Ain't Supposed to Die a Natural Death begins free performances throughout New York City July 25.

Presented by Classical Theatre of Harlem, Ain't Supposed to Die returns to New York following a national tour under the direction of Alfred Preisser. All performances are free and open to the public for the production that will make stops across New York City through Aug 16.

The first presentation runs July 25-26 in Von King Park (Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn), to be followed by July 29-Aug. 2 in Marcus Garvey Park (Harlem, Madison Avenue and 123rd Street), Aug. 8-9 in East River Park (Manhattan, Lower East Side) and Aug. 15-16 in St. Mary's Park (the Bronx, East 143rd Street).

Ain't Supposed to Die a Natural Death is described as "a gutsy, lusty narrative of Black street life that explores every aspect of ghetto life. Peopled by junkies, pimps, drag queens, crooked cops, lovers, and dreamers." Van Peebles penned book, music and lyrics for the work that incorporates poetic lyrics fused with spoken word and rap.

The cast features Charles Browning, Andrea Cosley, Cherrye Davis, Keith Jamal Downing, Tracy Jack, Kimberly Dalton Mitchell, Taharaqua Patterson, Libya Pugh, James Singletary, Chazz Reuben, Willie Teacher and Reji Woods.

The 1971 Broadway bow of Ain't Supposed to Die earned Tony nominations for Best Musical, Best Director of a Musical, Best Book, Best Score, Scenic Designer, Lighting Designer and Featured Actress in a Musical.

Classical Theatre of Harlem previously mounted a revival of the musical Off-Broadway in 2004.

For further information visit www.classicaltheatreofharlem.org.