Where: American Airlines Theatre
227 W. 42nd St.
New York, NY
Who: Recommended for Ages 12 and Up
When: Through January 9, 2022
Trouble in Mind deals with the subjugation of Black actors wherein they have to fit into the White idea of what Black people and Black characters are like to get roles and keep them and they cannot speak out about it if they want to keep working. They are also made to play roles that are demeaning and not true to their life experiences. Although the show was written in the 50s, only small changes have been made over the years, and only now after the events of the past year is there starting to be a true reckoning and are Black actors coming into their own and being able to live out their real experiences on the stage without their stories being filtered through others.
This show originally played Off-Broadway in 1955. It was supposed to come to Broadway in 1957, but that never happened. Ironically, it was because the producers wanted the playwright, Alice Childress, to tone down the show. However, that would clearly have gone against everything the play stands for and was trying to say so she refused. With everything that has gone on in the past year or so, now is the perfect time for this play.
The show stars the indomitable, LaChanze in the role of an actress who no longer wants to play along with the system. She is determined to speak out without fear of consequences even if it will inevitably cost her her job. Ms. LaChanze gives a powerful performance in the role. She is definitely a force to be reckoned with. There is even a chance to get to hear her display her beautiful singing voice which she has exhibited in such shows as the original production of The Color Purple and the recent Summer the Donna Summer Musical although this show is not a musical. On the whole, you are not going to want to miss her in this role!
And that's our view. Tune in Sunday for this week's Sunday Scoop.
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