Interludes

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Alice Childress’s still relevant TROUBLE IN MIND finally opens on Broadway featuring a career redefining performance by LaChanze

• By drediman
• November 23, 2021
• No Comments

Last week, Alice Childress’s Trouble in Mind opened at the American Airlines Theatre. Written in 1955, the play – a backstage drama about Wiletta Mayer, a Black actress who comes to terms with her social responsibility as an artist of color – was originally optioned for Broadway after a run in Greenwich Village. However, when Ms. Childress refused to concede to make her play more “approachable” for the general public (how life imitates art!), the production’s backers chose not proceed with the show. 66 years on, courtesy of Roundabout Theatre Company, the play finally makes its long awaited premiere on the Great White Way as it was intended to be performed.

It’s hard to fathom why the work isn’t already a classic. The play is solidly structured and features a bevy of memorable, lovingly-etched characters. And in addition to its more hefty content pertaining to racism, bullying, and the power struggles that exist in the theater, Trouble in Mind is also terribly entertaining, particularly in its satirical and melodramatic rehearsal scenes. It’s a testament to the craft and thoughtfulness of the writing that the play (unfortunately) remains potently relevant more than six decades since it was written. Ten years ago, I saw a rare but exceptional major revival of Trouble in Mind at Washington, DC’s Arena Stage starring the terrific E. Faye Butler. I’m happy to report that the current Roundabout revival – directed with clear intention by Charles Randolph-Wright – lives up to the memory of that 2011 production.

The central role of Wiletta is a juicy one, and LaChanze – one of musical theater’s beloved leading ladies – is a revelation in it, giving a career redefining performance. The Tony-winning actress possesses a naturally sunny stage presence, which works wonderfully as a convincing mask behind which Wiletta hides – until she no longer can. It’s a cathartic, layered performance that should garner much attention come awards time. Also making strong impressions are the accomplished work of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel‘s Michael Zegen as a brash, bullying director (whose Scott Rodin-like portrayal had me cringing throughout), as well as veterans Chuck Cooper and Jessica Frances Dukes as two Black actors trying their best just to survive in the entertainment industry.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

TROUBLE IN MIND
Broadway, Play
Roundabout Theatre Company at the American Airlines Theatre
2 hours, 10 minutes (with one intermission)
Through January 9