Trouble in Mind
Written by Alice Childress
Directed by Vaun Monroe
The Artistic Home at 3914 N Clark
February - April 2011
A powerfully incendiary and satiric drama based on the conflict of not compromising one’s artistic integrity, Trouble in Mind follows the journey of a mixed-raced cast in 1957 as they embark upon rehearsals for a racially-charged play. Childress pokes knowing fun at actors’ complaints, directors’ frustration and even with the well-meaning efforts of theater professionals to overcome their racial feelings. As each character is deftly revealed, along with their cavalier approach to the scripts they hold, there is so much humor that the playwright's theme within the theme will leave the audience shocked, if not surprised, at what was before them all along. Vaun Monroe, who most recently served as Artistic Director of Chicago Scriptworks, will direct. Featuring Guest Artist Velma Austin and Ensemble Member John Mossman; as well as Ensemble Members Frank Nall and Eustace Allen; and Guest Artists Kim Chelf, Armand Fields, Tom Lally, Cola Needham and Kelly Owens.
Director: Vaun Monroe
Assistant Director: A.J. Ware
Stage Manager: Loretta Rode
Assistant Stage Manager: Maggie Neumeyer
Dramaturg: Matt Ciavarella
Set Designer: Joseph Riley
Lighting Designer: Jess Harpenau
Costume Designer: Lynn Sandburg
Prop Designer: Lindsay Monahan
Sound Designer: Adam Smith
Trouble in Mind received amazing reviews. Check them out!
Chicago Tribune, Nina Metz -- 3 Stars! [Childress] had a heck of a sense of humor, which is on full display in her 1955 backstage drama "Trouble in Mind," about racial tensions in a Broadway theater rehearsal room, in a sharp production from director Vaun Monroe at The Artistic Home...a veteran actress named Wiletta (played with wit and verve by Velma Austin) begins to question the veracity of her character's choices. More than 50 years after the play was first produced, it is a metaphor that still cuts deep.
Chicago Reader, Kerry Reid -- Recommended! Velma Austin reveals Wiletta's awakening conscience with passion and spine...Vaun Monroe's ensemble nails a tricky blend of show-biz posturing and personal revelation...the final confrontation between Austin and John Mossman's pseudo-liberal director is a corker.
Time Out Chicago, Suzanne Scanlon -- 4 Stars! Velma Austin is excellent...John Mossman is especially good...each character has depth, and the fun of the script buffers the incredibly painful and somehow surprising climax.
Chicago Stage Style, Larry Bommer -- 4 Stars! Kinetic staging...Velma Austin's stalwart and wickedly subversive Wiletta is a triumph of passive-aggressive manipulation-until she finally exploded in a welcome showdown. As her unintended opponent, John Mossman plays an imperious 1957 liberal, finally shaken to the core when his dark side goes public.
Chicago Theater Blog, Keith Ecker -- Race, Art collide in emotionally charged play...The Artistic Home's Trouble in Mind is a solid production. Thespians and lay audiences alike will enjoy the self-deprecating nature of the play's humor. But the larger takeaway is the message that when it comes to race and entertainment, rarely are issues black and white...Trailblazing playwright Alice Childress succintly and effectively attacks the matter.
Chicago Critic, Tom Williams -- Trouble in Mind is an important work that begs to be seen. It is truthfully written, balanced with loads of humor as it deals head on with racism. It was a radical play in the 1950's and, shamefully, it is still revelation today. This production will make you laugh and it will stun your sensitivities as only theatre can do. Put this one on your 'must see' list.
Directed by Vaun Monroe
The Artistic Home at 3914 N Clark
February - April 2011
A powerfully incendiary and satiric drama based on the conflict of not compromising one’s artistic integrity, Trouble in Mind follows the journey of a mixed-raced cast in 1957 as they embark upon rehearsals for a racially-charged play. Childress pokes knowing fun at actors’ complaints, directors’ frustration and even with the well-meaning efforts of theater professionals to overcome their racial feelings. As each character is deftly revealed, along with their cavalier approach to the scripts they hold, there is so much humor that the playwright's theme within the theme will leave the audience shocked, if not surprised, at what was before them all along. Vaun Monroe, who most recently served as Artistic Director of Chicago Scriptworks, will direct. Featuring Guest Artist Velma Austin and Ensemble Member John Mossman; as well as Ensemble Members Frank Nall and Eustace Allen; and Guest Artists Kim Chelf, Armand Fields, Tom Lally, Cola Needham and Kelly Owens.
Director: Vaun Monroe
Assistant Director: A.J. Ware
Stage Manager: Loretta Rode
Assistant Stage Manager: Maggie Neumeyer
Dramaturg: Matt Ciavarella
Set Designer: Joseph Riley
Lighting Designer: Jess Harpenau
Costume Designer: Lynn Sandburg
Prop Designer: Lindsay Monahan
Sound Designer: Adam Smith
Trouble in Mind received amazing reviews. Check them out!
Chicago Tribune, Nina Metz -- 3 Stars! [Childress] had a heck of a sense of humor, which is on full display in her 1955 backstage drama "Trouble in Mind," about racial tensions in a Broadway theater rehearsal room, in a sharp production from director Vaun Monroe at The Artistic Home...a veteran actress named Wiletta (played with wit and verve by Velma Austin) begins to question the veracity of her character's choices. More than 50 years after the play was first produced, it is a metaphor that still cuts deep.
Chicago Reader, Kerry Reid -- Recommended! Velma Austin reveals Wiletta's awakening conscience with passion and spine...Vaun Monroe's ensemble nails a tricky blend of show-biz posturing and personal revelation...the final confrontation between Austin and John Mossman's pseudo-liberal director is a corker.
Time Out Chicago, Suzanne Scanlon -- 4 Stars! Velma Austin is excellent...John Mossman is especially good...each character has depth, and the fun of the script buffers the incredibly painful and somehow surprising climax.
Chicago Stage Style, Larry Bommer -- 4 Stars! Kinetic staging...Velma Austin's stalwart and wickedly subversive Wiletta is a triumph of passive-aggressive manipulation-until she finally exploded in a welcome showdown. As her unintended opponent, John Mossman plays an imperious 1957 liberal, finally shaken to the core when his dark side goes public.
Chicago Theater Blog, Keith Ecker -- Race, Art collide in emotionally charged play...The Artistic Home's Trouble in Mind is a solid production. Thespians and lay audiences alike will enjoy the self-deprecating nature of the play's humor. But the larger takeaway is the message that when it comes to race and entertainment, rarely are issues black and white...Trailblazing playwright Alice Childress succintly and effectively attacks the matter.
Chicago Critic, Tom Williams -- Trouble in Mind is an important work that begs to be seen. It is truthfully written, balanced with loads of humor as it deals head on with racism. It was a radical play in the 1950's and, shamefully, it is still revelation today. This production will make you laugh and it will stun your sensitivities as only theatre can do. Put this one on your 'must see' list.
