AURORA THEATRE IN THE NEWS

Trouble in Mind

“a potent opener for the Aurora Theatre's season... sharply drawn characters in an intriguing situation laced with satire that still burns 55 years later.... a captivating look at our not-so-distant past that tells us a great deal about the present.”
- Robert Hurwitt, SF Chronicle (read complete review)

“Laced with biting wit, this play-within-a-play is so intensely funny that its stinging condemnation of the status quo hits all the harder. It's especially disturbing in the show's closing moments when Childress' analysis about race, class and power strike a distinctly modern chord. ”
- Karen D'Souza, Mercury News (read complete review)

“What a magnificent start for the fall season! This play has everything -- humor, pathos, excitement and intense acting -- and certainly deserved the standing ovation it received. This is really a must-see!”
- Jerry Friedman, KGO Radio (read complete review)

“There’s so much that’s wonderful about this production, it’s hard not to gush... Trouble in Mind has a great deal to say – the fact that it’s more than half a century old hasn’t dimmed its humor, insight or provocation.”
- Chad Jones, Theater Dogs (read complete review)

“Rendered for a contemporary Berkeley audience, the play garners new layers of meaning.”
- Rachel Swan, East Bay Express (read complete review)

“This is a play best seen up close. Alternating between hilarious and heartbreaking, the solid ensemble cast projects through grand gestures as well as the tiniest micro expressions...The a cappella numbers aren’t to be missed, either.”
- Rhonda Shrader, Dogmom's dish (read complete review)

“Those that might be turned off by spending an evening of theater at a show dealing with such weighty subject matter will be surprised. The entertainment factor here is remarkably high, with laughs through-out. Comic timing is flawless–these actors define chemistry.”
- Clinton Stark, Stark Silver Creek (read complete review)

“The new Aurora Theater production of Trouble In Mind feels fresh...The show does not feel like a period piece, it feels like America 2010.”
- Doug Konecky, SF Theater Blog

“Well written with a nice mix of humor and drama ….a fine way for Aurora to open its 19th season.”
- Judy Richter, Aisle Say

“What's wonderful about Trouble in Mind is that it's constantly asking you questions and, as soon as you think you have them answered, [it] reveals another piece of information making you reconsider everything you thought you knew.”
- Aaron Sankin, SF Appeal

“[Alice] Childress’ play finally gets its due.”
- Georgia Rowe, SF Examiner (read complete review)

“Under the direction of Robin Stanton, the play features an impressively talented cast of Bay Area-based actors. With the skillful craft of the cast and the evocative and on-point period costumes, the audience is transported back to the 1950s.”
- Sonya Smith, CityFlight.com (read complete review)

“Trouble in Mind offers a compelling and provocative theatrical experience.”
- Lily Janiak, SF Bay Times

“Trouble In Mind is worth seeing...The writing is strong, refreshing, and reminds modern audiences how much things have changed since the 1950s.”
- George Heymont, My Cultural Landscape (read complete review)

Feature Articles

““Alice Childress wrote a character that has so much rich emotional depth,” she said. “Wiletta is a perfect match for Margo. One of Margo’s many gifts is emotional accessibility—the gift to transform and live the emotional thread of the character. This play has to have that kind of talent in order for real reflection of a changing America.””
- Emily Wilson, Examiner.com (read complete article)

“By producing 'Trouble in Mind,' I hope we are helping to bring her legacy back into prominence, where this vanguard artist belongs.”
- Robert Hurwitt, Sf Chronicle (read complete article)