Ain't Supposed to Die a Natural Death
Musical - Original
Ethel Barrymore Theatre (October 20, 1971 - November 13, 1971)
Ambassador Theatre (November 17, 1971 - July 30, 1972)
Data not verified
- First Preview: October 8, 1971
- Opening Date: October 20, 1971
- Closing Date: July 30, 1972
- Previews: 10
- Performances: 325
Lyrics: Melvin Van Peebles
Book: Melvin Van Peebles
Music: Melvin Van Peebles
Synopsis
Melvin Van Peebles series of vignettes of life in the black ghetto of the 1970s is presented as spoken-word poetry with musical accompaniment.
Opening Night Cast
| Barbara Alston | ||
| Toney Brealond | ||
| Marilyn Coleman | ||
| Bill Duke | ||
| Gloria Edwards | ||
| Joe Fields | ||
| Clebert Ford | ||
 |
Arthur French |
Opening Night Production Credits
| Melvin Van Peebles | Book | |
| Melvin Van Peebles | Music | |
| Melvin Van Peebles | Lyrics | |
| Gilbert Moses | Director | |
| Kert F. Lundell | Scenic Design | |
| Bernard Johnson | Costume Design |
Awards
Drama Desk Award
| Year | Category | Name | Winner/Nominee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1972 | Most Promising Book | Melvin Van Peebles | Winner |
| 1972 | Most Promising Director | Gilbert Moses | Winner |
| 1972 | Outstanding Set Design | Kert F. Lundell | Winner |
Theatre World
| Year | Category | Name | Winner/Nominee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1972 | Theatre World Award | Beatrice Winde | Winner |
Tony Award
| Year | Category | Name | Winner/Nominee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1972 | Book of a Musical | Melvin Van Peebles | Nominee |
| 1972 | Direction of a Musical | Gilbert Moses | Nominee |
| 1972 | Featured Actress in a Musical | Beatrice Winde | Nominee |
| 1972 | Lighting Design (Play or Musical) | Martin Aronstein | Nominee |
| 1972 | Musical | Nominee | |
| 1972 | Original Score | Melvin Van Peebles | Nominee |
| 1972 | Scenic Design (Play or Musical) | Kert F. Lundell | Nominee |
