Following an experienced Black stage actress through rehearsals of a major Broadway production, Alice Childress's wry and moving look at racism, identity, and ego in the world of New York theatre opened to acclaim off-Broadway in 1955. At the forefront of both the Civil Rights and feminist movements, the prescient Trouble in Mind was announced to move to Broadway in 1957...in a production that never came to be.
At the center of 'Trouble in Mind' is Wiletta Mayer (LaChanze), a veteran, African American actress who dreams of starring in a role of substance, but has spent her entire career playing stereotypical Black characters. A performer best known for her work in musicals, LaChanze is this production's heartbeat. In her first lead role in a Broadway play, she delicately embodies a middle-aged woman who deeply loves an art form that ignores her. In an instant she transforms from the childlike act Willetta puts on for her white director to the strong façade she projects for her Black castmates.
The show is stocked with hugely capable actors, including Michael Zegen (as the imperious director), Jessica Frances Dukes, Don Stephenson, Danielle Campbell, Brandon Micheal Hall, Simon Jones, Alex Mickiewicz and Chuck Cooper, but many seem led toward extremes. The show feels conceived as a star vehicle for LaChanze, an enigmatic performer in every way, but this is an ensemble piece. And I suspect LaChanze, powerful as her performance can be, would have preferred it stayed that way
| 2021 | Broadway |
Broadway |
| Year | Ceremony | Category | Nominee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play | Chuck Cooper |
| 2022 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Revival of a Play | Trouble in Mind |
| 2022 | Drama League Awards | Distinguished Performance Awards | LaChanze |
| 2022 | Drama League Awards | Outstanding Revival of a Play | Trouble In Mind |
| 2022 | Outer Critics Circle Awards | Outstanding Actress in a Play | LaChanze |
| 2022 | Outer Critics Circle Awards | Outstanding Costume Design (Play or Musical) | Emilio Sosa |
| 2022 | Outer Critics Circle Awards | Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play | Chuck Cooper |
| 2022 | Outer Critics Circle Awards | Outstanding Revival of a Play (Broadway or Off-Broadway) | Trouble in Mind |
| 2022 | Tony Awards | Best Costume Design of a Play | Emilio Sosa |
| 2022 | Tony Awards | Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play | Chuck Cooper |
| 2022 | Tony Awards | Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play | LaChanze |
| 2022 | Tony Awards | Best Revival of a Play | Trouble in Mind |
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