Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope

A generally good-humored look at the social problems faced by black people today, Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope was essentially a procession of musical numbers, both sung and danced, based on gospel, rock, calypso, and folk music. The show originated as a workshop project of Vinnette Carroll’s Urban Arts Corps Theatre, after which it made appearances in Washington, Philadelphia, and Detroit before opening in New York at the Playhouse Theatre (on 48th Street east of 7th Avenue). Though stressing black pride and dignity, this “Musical Entertainment” still found room for some tongue-in-cheek self kidding which helped give it a broad enough appeal to keep it running on Broadway for two and one-half years. Pippin. Ben Vereen, flanked by Ann Reinking and Candy Brown, in the “Magic to Do” number. (Martha Swope)

Music

Micki Grant

Lyrics

Micki Grant