Wiletta has always longed to be a famous actress, but at what cost?

With shrewd direction by Dawn M. Simmons, Lyric Stage Company presents Trouble in Mind by Alice Childress, part of Lyric Stage Company’s 50th season, live and in person at Lyric Stage Company in Boston, Massachusetts through Sunday, February 4.  The show is 2 hours and 20 minutes including one intermission and the action is not limited to the stage.  Click here for more information and for tickets.

Sound designer Aubrey Dube’s jazz-inspired soundtrack rewinds the clock to the late 50’s.  Connected by a spiral staircase, Shelley Barish’s vintage two floor set features elegant and colorful mid century-inspired furniture pieces, gold and burgundy trim, and scattered hanging crystal chandeliers and yet is also true to any backstage theatre rehearsal setting, including a realistic red glowing exit sign hanging over a backstage door, dressing rooms, and a gleaming ghost light.

Some of Rachel Padula-Shufelt’s vintage costumes include a mix of muted and bold colors as well as lively patterns that not only reflect each character’s distinct personalities, but the action in the scene.  One scene has McConnia Chesser as Millie Davis and Patrice Jean-Baptiste as Wiletta presented in rich colors to stand out while Allison Beauregard as Judy Sears is adorned in smart suits in softer pastel patterns.  

What is particularly fascinating about Trouble in Mind is Alice Childress’s meaty and layered script.  It is an intriguing production that tackles racism, truth, censorship, stereotypes and much more taking place in New York City in 1957.  A play within a play, this engaging and multifaceted cast rehearses backstage for a divisive production called Chaos in Belleville as the underlying tension of this seemingly happy theatre group builds.  When things start to get real, that is where the real story unfolds.

The cast has sharp dramatic and comedic skills to navigate the often swiftly changing tone of this production and delves into the nature of Broadway theatre.   At the center of this tale is seasoned actress Wiletta, depicted with a mix of cheerfulness and hearty determination by Patrice Jean-Baptiste.  Wiletta eagerly shares her ambitions privately, but hesitates to pursue her loftier dreams in the interest of remaining a working Black actress.  Jean-Baptiste shares a warm rapport with Robert Walsh as supportive Irishman Henry who works for the production.  Their nurturing understanding of one another is a particular highlight.  Jean-Baptiste also confides in young actor John Nevins, portrayed by Kadahj Bennett, who also longs to succeed in show business.

 Allison Beauregard portrays naïve ingénue Judy Sears with an array of nervous chatter behind a pretty face.  She longs to say and do the right things, but at times, Judy cannot seem to get out of her own way.   Beauregard does an impressive job depicting this enigmatic character’s nuances as each situation changes. 

Barlow Adamson as firm and condescending director Al Manners is not unlike other complex characters that Adamson has aptly captured.  Manners feels over worked and underappreciated which fuels some of his impatience, belittling nature and frankness.  Adamson navigates the shifting atmosphere of each rehearsal and has a powerful effect on each of the cast members.  From Bill Mootos as self conscious Bill O’Wray to MaConnia Chesser as wealthy, humorous and seemingly confident Millie, Adamson more often than not, stirs the pot.

Cautious, wise, and experienced Sheldon, depicted by Davron S. Monroe, at first seems an understated character, but Monroe later makes a sudden and indelible impression in one of the most memorable and stirring scenes in the production. 

Trouble in Mind was created in 1955 and yet much of the themes are alarmingly relevant today.  Some of Trouble in Mind can be unsettling with veiled barbs, underlying tension, disdain, slights, and grim humor behind a smile, but the authentic reactions and self awareness are riveting to witness.  At one point, Manners states, ‘What is Truth?  Truth is simply whatever you can bring yourself to believe, that is all.’  Some familiar food for thought.

With shrewd direction by Dawn M. Simmons, Lyric Stage Company presents Trouble in Mind by Alice Childress, part of Lyric Stage Company’s 50th season, live and in person at Lyric Stage Company in Boston, Massachusetts through Sunday, February 4.  The show is 2 hours and 20 minutes including one intermission and the action is not limited to the stage.  Click here for more information and for tickets.