Don't Play Us Cheap

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. 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. 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.