Reviewed by Michael Edwards
The Award-winning Actors Co-Op's production of Alice Childress's 1955 work, Trouble In Mind at the David Schall Theatre in Hollywood is a remarkably striking restaging of a controversial play that still rings true today.
Set in the mid 1950's a liberal, white controlled Broadway production of a black themed play with hopes of shedding light on the plight of 1950's American black culture, deteriorates in a surprising way. 'Surprising', in that, from the play's beginning we see very clearly that the African American actors occupying the rehearsal table are well versed in how to navigate and 'code switch' in order to do whatever the liberal NYC white man wants in order to acquire and keep a rare Broadway acting job. All seems tragically in order until the plays' reading where the most staunchly cavalier black character simply cannot move forward with a plot point that speaks (in one particularly glaring incident) against black humanity. The issue flares and new understandings must come to bear.
The cast on opening night was truly dynamic. Masterful in their own right to a one, if not a bit disjointed in overall chemistry. Stand outs include a truly magnetic Lorinda Hawkins Smith; a heart rich and organic Larry Eisenberg; a powerful and crystal-clear Kimi Walker and focused and unapologetic Spencer Rowe.
The classic set design for this 1957 NYC theatre set was detailed and remarkably edifying. Well done. Costumes and hair design are magically detailed and fun. The lights and sound were seamlessly sewn into the storytelling without distraction.
Kimberly Herbert Gregory's direction is sharp and tight. Every move and arrangement are thought through to the most specific detail. Her work in focusing on the healing energy between Ms. Smith's Millie and a beautiful Larry Eisenberg's Henry offer the deepest chemistry between actors of the night.
Trouble In Mind
is a brave play selection. Though the structure and dialogue are somewhat dated, the discussion and subject matter are in many ways advanced from our culture's current standing. So much so, it leaves the audience member with a serious opportunity for reflection re who we know are and how well or poorly we are willing to treat others re that self-awareness in this, our shared world of reflections.
Trouble In Mind
runs through November 10th, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2:30pm, with additional Saturday matinees at 2:30pm on October 12th and October 19th. For ticket information visit
actorscoopboxoffice@gmail.com
or call the box office at (323) 462-8460. Actors Co-op's David Schall Theatre is located at 1760 N. Gower Street, Hollywood 90028 (on the campus of the First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood.