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Pittsburgh Public Theater Presents

Trouble in Mind

Billing Credits

Artistic Director: Marya Sea Kaminski
Managing Director: Shaunda McDill

By Alice Childress
Directed by Justin Emeka

“Trouble in Mind” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc.
www.concordtheatricals.com

Starring

HOPE ANTHONY*, EMMA BROWN BAKER, GARBIE DUKES*, MARTIN GILES*, SHINNERRIE D. JACKSON*, DANIEL KRELL*, ANTHONY MARINO JOSEPH MCGRANAGHAN*, VANDOUS STRIPLING II*

SCENIC DESIGNER: JASON SIMMS
COSTUME DESIGNER: KJ GILMER
LIGHTING DESIGNER: ABIGAIL HOKE-BRADY
SOUND DESIGNER: TOSIN OLUFOLABI
HAIR AND WIG DESIGNER: TENELL D. DORSEY
STAGE MANAGER: TENLEY PITONZO*
ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER: GABRIELLA WALKO
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: RYAN M. RATTLEY

*Denotes Actors' Equity Association membership
The O'Reilly Theater is a project of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.

Letter from the Artistic Director

Welcome friends,

After a groundbreaking off-Broadway debut in 1955, Trouble in Mind was poised to make Alice Childress the first Black female playwright to be produced on Broadway. However, when Childress refused to alter the play’s ending to appease producers, the transfer was canceled. It would take 66 years before her long-overdue Broadway debut, cementing Trouble in Mind as one of the great classics of contemporary American theater. 

Now, Trouble in Mind finally makes its Pittsburgh debut, showcasing Childress’ bold theatrical imagination, incisive cultural commentary, and unwavering creative integrity in a backstage drama that remains startlingly relevant. Through this powerful play Childress reminds us, in the words of Wiletta Mayer, to “Go further. Do better.” 

This production also marks a significant moment in Pittsburgh Public Theater’s history as we celebrate Justin Emeka’s final season as our Resident Director. Justin’s unforgettable productions—Sweat (2018), American Son (2020), Two Trains Running (2022), and his stunning A Midsummer Night’s Dream in Harlem (2023)—have helped define this post-pandemic era for The Public by energizing us with finely crafted entertainment, igniting vital conversation, and inspiring a new generation of artists and leaders.  

Beyond his extraordinary productions as Resident Director, Justin has played an essential role in our progress towards serving Pittsburgh as a true public theater. His work reminds us that true excellence is not possible without equity and accountability, and that rigorous storytelling inspires collective joy, discovery, and transformation. 

The convergence of Alice Childress’ brilliance and Justin Emeka’s masterful direction offers a rare and thrilling opportunity to witness two great artists working at the height of their gifts, as they bring this truly American classic to life with vitality and vision. 

Onward,
2023 Marya Signature Vector Transparent_png Marya Sea Kaminski, Artistic Director

The Cast

HOPE ANTHONY*  MILLIE DAVIS

Hope Anthony is delighted to play Millie Davis and return to The Public. Previous productions include A Christmas Story, The Importance of Being Earnest, A Midsummer Night's Dream in Harlem, and A Raisin in the Sun. Hope is also an Audio Describer and a Creative Dramatics teaching artist. Hope trained at Point Park University.

EMMA BROWN BAKER  JUDY SEARS

Emma Brown Baker is a Pittsburgh native and mental health professional who is beyond honored to make her Pittsburgh Public Theater debut. Around the ‘Burgh, she has performed at Little Lake Theatre, the Pittsburgh CLO and Poor Yorick. Regional theater: Seattle Repertory Theater Public Works, Harlequin Productions and Wheaton Shakespeare in the Park. She sends buckets of love and gratitude to her family and friends.

GARBIE DUKES*  SHELDON FORRESTER

Professional stage credits include the 2024 world premiere of The Coffin Maker at Pittsburgh Public Theater as Lawrence Ebitt, and mainstage productions at City Theatre, the August Wilson African American Cultural Center, and numerous other companies and venues. TV appearances include Unsolved Mysteries, Outsiders, A League of Their Own, and national/regional commercials, including for the Pennsylvania Lottery.

MARTIN GILES*  HENRY

Martin Giles is a Pittsburgh-based actor, director, and teacher. He was last at The Public as Poirot in Murder on the Orient Express. Most recent other work: Hamm in Endgame for PICT; his own one man piece Bar Joke Tales at City Theatre's MomentumFest and at the Rochester Fringe Festival.

SHINNERRIE D. JACKSON*  WILETTA MAYER

Shinnerrie Jackson is an actress and Assistant Professor of Theatre at The University of Tennessee. She can be seen in 30 Rock and Whit Stillman's Damsels in Distress. Previous theater productions include A Night with Janis Joplin (Arena Stage), Vanya, Sonia, Masha and Spike (Cincinnati Playhouse), Lady Day at Emerson Bar and Grill (Weathervane Theater), and Ain’t I a Woman, a one woman show about the heroines of African American history. Shinnerrie is also a proud company member of The Clarence Brown Theatre and The Weathervane Theatre in New Hampshire.

DANIEL KRELL*  BILL O'WRAY

A 2019 Pittsburgh Post Gazette Performer of the Year, Dan has appeared in over 30 productions with The Public. He's played a variety of major roles with the region’s professional theatres, as well as theatres around the country. Dan is also a veteran of many film, TV, and voiceover productions, including playing Mr. McFeely opposite Tom Hanks as Mr. Rogers in the film A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood. Upcoming: The Seagull for Quantum Theatre.

ANTHONY MARINO  EDDIE FENTON

Anthony Marino is honored to be in his first show at Pittsburgh Public Theater, with such a powerful cast, and in such an impactful piece. He sends his love to his Mom, Dad, Sister, his friends Alex and Cav, and the students at Westmoreland Performing Arts. Recent credits include: Igor in Young Frankenstein (CLO), Peter Cratchit in A Musical Christmas Carol (CLO), Tribe Member in Hair! (Pittsburgh Musical Theater), Mendel in Fiddler on the Roof (Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra), and Austin in True West (Westmoreland Performing Arts).

JOSEPH McGRANAGHAN*  AL MANNERS

Joseph McGranaghan is an actor, director and educator based in Pittsburgh. New York credits include the world premiere of Calderon's Two Dreams with Magis Theatre at LaMama ETC and The Balcony Remixed with Mabou Mines. Regional: McCarter Theatre, Baltimore Center Stage, Asolo Rep, Florida Studio Theatre, Clarence Brown Theatre, Lantern Theatre and others. Pittsburgh credits include: City Theatre, Quantum, Bricolage, PICT, Kinetic among others. Film and TV: Mayor of Kingstown, American Rust, A Call to Spy. Training: MFA FSU/ Asolo Conservatory.

VANDOUS STRIPLING II*  JOHN NEVINS

Vandous is a classically trained actor and graduate of The Old Globe and University of San Diego Shiley Graduate Theater Program. Recent credits include: Henry VI (parts one and two), As You Like It, Twelfth Night, and The Merry Wives of Windsor at The Old Globe. Trouble in Mind marks his debut with Pittsburgh Public Theater.

*Denotes members of the Actors' Equity Association

The Creative Team

JUSTIN EMEKA DIRECTOR

Justin Emeka is a director, actor, writer, and award-winning filmmaker who has served as the resident director for Pittsburgh Public Theater since 2020. Previous Pittsburgh Public Theater productions include: A Midsummer Night’s Dream in Harlem, Two Trains Running, American Son, and Sweat. He has worked at theaters around the country including Yale Rep, Syracuse Stage, Seattle Rep, Karamu House, Classical Theater of Harlem, and Philadelphia Theater Company. He recently directed King James at the Old Globe in San Diego, where he is also a commissioned director. As the Central Regional Representative, he serves on the Executive Board of SDC, the professional directors' union.  He is a Drama League Fellow and tenured professor of Theater and Africana Studies at Oberlin College.

JASON SIMMS SCENIC DESIGNER

Jason has designed for New York stages and companies including The Public Theater, Second Stage, Ensemble Studio Theatre, The Cherry Lane, The Bushwick Starr, The Juilliard School, and more. Regional venues include Pioneer Theatre Co., Salt Lake City; Bristol Riverside Theatre; Denver Center Theatre Company; The Old Globe, San Diego; Philadelphia Theatre Company; George St. Playhouse; Berkshire Theatre Group; and more. Jason is a professor of Scenic Design at The University of Iowa.

KJ GILMER COSTUME DESIGNER

Trouble in Mind is Ms. Gilmer's debut production with The Public. Ms. Gilmer works professionally as a costume designer, director and theatrical intimacy choreographer. She is an associate teaching professor at the University of Pittsburgh. Ms. Gilmer's professional credits include Gloucester Stage Company, SpeakEasy Stage Company, City Theatre Company, St. Michael’s Playhouse, Pittsburgh's Shakespeare in the Park, Orlando Shakes, and Gulfshore Playhouse.

ABIGAIL HOKE-BRADY LIGHTING DESIGNER

Abigail Hoke-Brady is a Brooklyn-based lighting designer. New York City credits: A Guide for the Homesick (LDK Productions, DR-2); The White Chip (MCC Theater); The Night Falls (Peak Performances); MukhAgni (Under the Radar). Regional credits: Tosca (Pittsburgh Opera); Pagliacci (Seattle Opera); Don Pasquale (Opera Omaha); 2023 & 2024 Summer Season (Central City Opera); Cosi fan Tutte (San Diego Opera).

TOSIN OLUFOLABI SOUND DESIGNER & ORIGINAL MUSIC

Off-Broadway: Stargazers (Page 73); Dirty Laundry, Bite Me (WP Theater). Regional: The Thanksgiving Play (Steppenwolf Theatre); Gloria, There’s Always the Hudson, Hi, Are You Single? Incendiary, The Sensational Sea Minkettes (Woolly Mammoth); Ain’t No Mo, Life is a Dream (Baltimore Center Stage); The Sound Inside, The Chinese Lady, Crumbs from the Table of Joy (Everyman Theater) and more.

TENELL D. DORSEY HAIR & WIG DESIGNER

Tenell Dorsey, the passionate owner of Dreamz Hair Salon in Homestead, boasts more than 30 years of industry expertise. As a renowned wig designer for Pittsburgh Public Theater productions like A Midsummer Night's Dream in Harlem and Steel Magnolias, Tenell’s talent shines on stage and in her salon. With an NPI accreditation, she extends care to clients battling hair loss by accepting health insurance for hair replacement. Committed to community engagement, Tenell nurtures her team, making the Dreamz Empire a beacon of excellence.

TENLEY PITONZO* STAGE MANAGER

Select Credits: Jane Eyre (Alley Theatre); Public Obscenities (Theatre for a New Audience); Life is a Dream, Our Town (Baltimore Center Stage); seven methods of killing kylie jenner (The Public Theater, Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company); for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf, School Girls or the African Mean Girls Play (Kansas City Repertory Theatre).

GABRIELLA WALKO ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER

Gabriella Walko is thrilled to be working on her third show at The Public! She is a Pittsburgh based multi-disciplinary artist with focuses in stage management and performance. Recent credits include: Shakespeare & Company, Pittsburgh CLO, Front Porch Theatricals, and Primestage Theatre. She proudly holds a BA in Theatre Arts from the University of Pittsburgh. 

*Denotes members of the Actors' Equity Association

Staff List

Our Leaders

Marya Sea Kaminski, Artistic Diretor
Shaunda McDill, Managing Director
Lindsay Barr, Executive Assistant & Board Liaison

Artistic

Sarah Ashley Cain, Associate Artistic Director
Brian Pope, Casting & Literary Director
Justin Emeka, Resident Director
Demeatria Boccella, Artist-in-Residence
Jamie Agnello, Artist-in-Residence
Matt Acheson, Artist-in-Residence
José Pérez IV, Resident Fight & Intimacy Director
Mora V. Harris, Resident Playwright
Anya Martin, Resident Playwright
Brian Pope, Resident Playwright
Kelly Trumbull, Resident Playwright
TJ Young, Resident Playwright

Human Resources

Lisha Logan, Director of Human Resources
Morgan Overton, Worforce Director

General Management

Trent Wolfred, Associate Director of Operations
Savannah Merrill, Associate General Manager
Maya Holmes, Company Manager
Fred Noel, Systems Coordinator
Adrianne Redwood, Events Consultant

Finance

Adam List, Controller
Jim Overton, Finance Manager
Anna Skeels, Accounts Receivable/Accounts Payable Associate

Development

Toby Guinn, Chief Development Officer
Milton Melendez, Development Associate

Education & Engagement

Jenny Malarkey, Education Manager
Dominique Briggs, Senior Manager of Public Works and Partnerships

House Management

Kacie Belletti, Senior Manager of Guest Services & Belonging
Alana Moye, Guest Services Representative
Ryan Rattley, Guest Services Representative

Marketing & Communications

Aja Jones, Director of Marketing & Communications
Ben Geibel, Digital Content Manager
Christie Jay Snyder, Senior Manager of Marketing & Media
Erik Schmidt, Graphic Design Associate 
Ali Mohammed Srour, Patron Services Data Associate
Brian Starks, Community Liaison

Production

Monica Bowin, Director of Production & Operations
Trent Wolfred, Associate Director of Operations
Savannah Merrill, Company Manager
Rob McLeod, Technical Director
Lisa Harshbarger, Scene Shop Manager
Drew Palajsa, Head Shop Carpenter
Sean DeKonty, Shop Carpenter
Joe Paski, Shop Carpenter
Shannon Seibel, Shop Carpenter
Celeste Parrendo, Charge Scenic Artist
Gay Kahkonen, Properties Head
Kelly Yann, Properties Coordinator
Venise St. Pierre, Costume Shop Head
Kyle Huber, Costume Shop Associate
Sara Holroyd, Hair & Wig Stylist
Jo(e) Herr, First Hand
Joshua Beumer, Head Electrician
Zach Moore, Head Sound Engineer
Mikey Abate, Head Stage Carpenter
Philip Cassidy, Production Key/A-2
Christina Dragen-Dima, Production Key
Jaime Ericson, Costume Design Assistant

Trouble in Mind

Samantha Pollack, Assistant Scenic Designer
Maya Jones, Assistant Costume Designer
McKenna Ebert,
Assistant Lighting Designer
Ian Stoll, Assistant Sound Designer

CORE COMPANY

Margot Allison
June Alvilda Almonte
Brian Dzuban
Amy B. Marsalis
Michael McBurney
Ryan M. Rattley

This performance of TROUBLE IN MIND runs approximately 2 hours with one 15-minute intermission.

This show is rated PG-13. Set in 1957, it addresses themes of racism, sexism, identity, and class, and contains strong profanity and racially offensive terms. This production contains the use of haze.

 

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Land Acknowledgement

The ground on which we stand, at the confluence of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers, is home to the Seneca People. They called this area Jaödeogë’ (Jaonh day ō gent’), Between Two Rivers, the crossroads of the Seneca, Lenni Lenape, Shawnee, and numerous nations who lived before, with and after them.

These Peoples, along with other nations in the Haudenosaunee (Hoe-dee-no-SHOW-nee) Confederacy, stewarded the land of this greater region; and like other First Nations across North America, their spiritual roots are buried deep within Mother Earth. We acknowledge this land and their continued spiritual connection to it as sacred.

We must also recognize the painful destruction of this connection and the injustices perpetrated on Native Communities through broken treaties and colonial occupation, resulting in enslavement, cultural genocide, forced assimilation, and dissolution of their right to independent self-governance.

Through awareness and action, we can write a new history that honors First Peoples’ spiritual connection to the land and combats Indigenous erasure, systemic racism and continued marginalization. We invite you to join us in action. Insightful information can be found at https://americanindian.si.edu and our website: https://ppt.org

This statement was crafted in collaboration with Dr. Joe Stahlman (Ska:ru:re), Ja:no’s Bowen (Onöndowa’ga:’), and Jamie Jacobs (Onöndowa’ga:’).

Union Information


Union Box Playbill2

The Actors and Stage Manager employed in this production are members of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

The scenic, costume, lighting and sound designers in LORT Theatres are represented by United Scenic Artists, Local USA-829 of the IATSE.

This Theatre operates under an agreement between the League of Resident Theatres and Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

The Director is a member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, and The National Theatrical Labor Union.

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