HOPE ANTHONY, STAR OF “TROUBLE IN MIND,” PERFORMS IN PITTSBURGH PUBLIC THEATER’S 2022 PRODUCTION OF “A RAISIN IN THE SUN.” | PHOTO BY MICHAEL HENNINGER

BEST BET

“Trouble in Mind”

Feb. 5-23 | O’Reilly Theater

There’s a show within the show “Trouble in Mind,” a satire of the theater world by the influential novelist and playwright Alice Childress.

The backstage action concerns a fictional play called “Chaos in Belleville,” which aims for racial understanding but traffics in stereotypes — and worse. “It’s not even just about race; it’s about who gets to control the narrative,” says Justin Emeka, who is directing “Trouble in Mind” for Pittsburgh Public Theater, “and how race, gender and class play into that … In a way that we still struggle, as artists.”

No one knew that better than Childress; “Trouble in Mind” was an off-Broadway hit in 1955 and was optioned for a Broadway run. Echoing the action in the play, however, the new producers demanded a happy ending. “She rewrote it 15 times; she says she couldn’t recognize her play anymore,” Emeka explains. “She said, ‘This is it. Take it or leave it.’ And they left it.”

The show didn’t debut on Broadway for another 66 years, finally taking an acclaimed bow in 2021. The Public’s production will be led by Hope Anthony, a favorite of the theater who has appeared in “The Importance of Being Earnest,” “A Raisin in the Sun” and three productions of “A Christmas Story: The Play.” “I feel so fortunate to have this cast because they connect so deeply with these parts,” Emeka says. “They’re just fearless in dealing with each other.”

While audiences on Broadway and beyond were unfairly denied a look at “Trouble in Mind” for decades, Emeka says the show remains relevant — and powerful: “The cast and I are having a wonderful time discovering it; it almost feels like the best play I’ve ever worked on.” — Sean Collier

MUSIC

Atmosphere

Feb. 2 | Roxian Theatre

Slug and Ant make up the American hip-hop duo Atmosphere. Their style has been placed under the subgenre of “Introspective Underground Rap,” giving the listener an open road to explore when deciphering their lyrics. Their height of popularity hovered around the ’00s, making their Imagine the Fun Tour a special night for the more seasoned hip-hop heads.

COMEDY

Zainab Johnson

Feb. 6-8 | Pittsburgh Improv

Stand-up comedian, actress and writer Zainab Johnson started her professional journey as a teacher. But she soon chose comedy as her creative outlet. Johnson’s comedy is based on her unique point of view, which was shaped by her experience of growing up in Harlem as one of 13 siblings in a Black Muslim family. She has a special flair for crowd work, so you just might become part of the show.

LECTURE

“Madness” by Antonia Hylton

Feb. 10 | Carnegie Music Hall

In her book “Madness,” Antonia Hylton tells the 93-year-old history of Crownsville Hospital, one of the last segregated asylums with surviving records and a campus that still stands in Maryland. Join the author and journalist for a moderated chat about what it means to tell traumatic stories of suffering through a lens of care and compassion.

MUSIC

MC Lyte

Feb. 13 | Pittsburgh City Winery

The history of hip-hop cannot be spoken about without mentioning the legendary MC Lyte. This pioneer, noted as the first female rapper to release a full solo album, is on her Reflections of Lyte tour, which offers an engaging performance, powerful storytelling and authentic conversations.

MUSIC

Joss Stone

Feb. 25 | Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall

JOSS STONE | PHOTO BY TINA TURNBOW

More than 20 years ago, Joss Stone introduced herself to us with a powerful voice dripped in vintage soul. At that time, she was just a teenager. Years of life experiences have only added to her sound and writing style. This Less Is More tour celebrates her classics, stripped back with an intimate vibe.

MOVIES

Horror Realm Convention

Feb. 28-March 2 | Crowne Plaza Suites Pittsburgh South

PHOTO COURTESY OF HORROR REALM CONVENTION

The Horror Realm Convention continues its longstanding tradition of assembling horror-film icons from mainstream movies to deep-cut gems under one roof. If you love the grim and gore, venture out to purchase hard-to-find collectibles, chat with fellow fans and meet your favorite scream queen (such as “Re-Animator” and “Puppet Master” star Barbara Crampton). For horror fans, it’s the most wonderful time of the year.

To be considered for coverage, send details to Events Editor, Pittsburgh Magazine, Washington’s Landing, 600 Waterfront Drive, Suite 100, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 or email magevents@pittsburghmagazine.com.