“Trouble in Mind,” in its Lehigh Valley premiere at Civic Theatre of Allentown, provides insight into challenges facing African-American actors on the Broadway stage.

Ironically, “Trouble in Mind” initially never made it to Broadway for some of the very reasons underlying the play’s themes.

“Trouble in Mind” opened off-Broadway in 1955. Some 66 years later, it opened on Broadway in 2021, receiving four Tony Award nominations.

The play, a drama with witty and thought-provoking dialogue, was to have been transferred to Broadway in 1957, but was canceled when its playwright Alice Childress refused to tone down its content.

The Civic Theatre of Allentown production isn’t toned down, and even in 2023, packs quite an emotional wallop in topics and performance. The stereotyping of black characters, lack of choice in roles for black actors and backstage drama of actors competing for too few places in the spotlight seem all too relevant.

While not a backstage musical per se in the sense of Judy and Mickey putting on a show, “Trouble in Mind” provides insight into what goes on behind the curtain in presenting a play. For devotees of the stage or those unfamiliar with the challenges of putting on a stage play, there is a fly-on-the-wall aspect to drama’s delicious and sometimes jaw-dropping moments.

Gabe Moses, director of Civic’s “Trouble in Mind,” creates a fine pace for the narrative, giving actors room to breathe in a relaxed manner that at times almost seems improvisational.

Moses emphasizes the details of the words and their import in the script such that the big picture gradually unfolds in the two-act production. The opening night March 17 performance was seen for this review.

At the center of the play within the play is Wiletta Mayer, a leading actress who has seen it all, rendered in a stunning and memorable performance by Veronica Cummings.

Cummings, from her commanding entrance to her concluding triumphant turn in the spotlight, has a compelling stage presence, presents a range of emotions from tender to tough and has gorgeous vocals. You will want to see the Civic production for Cummings’ performance alone.

Notable in lead roles are Shaun Hayes as Al Manners, a white director, who despite the character’s last name is anything but. Hayes conveys the character’s unctuousness with oily intensity.

William Alexander Jr. brings sagacity, amiability and a regal bearing to the role of Sheldon Forrester, an actor who could have been a leading man but as a black man is relegated to minor parts.

Florence Taylor as Millie Davis has a charming presence that masks a resignation to dreams deferred.

Kamai Williams plays John Nevins, a naive young black actor learning the ropes, and lack of hope, all too soon.

Troy Brokenshire makes an impression as Bill O’Wray, a fidgety white actor.

Michael Daniels is comical as Henry, the steadfast doorman to the theater where the play is being rehearsed.

Erin Neupauer plays Judy Sears, an ingénue, with charm and verve.

Jaedon Muhl is Eddie Fenton, stage manager of the play in rehearsal.

Scenic Designer of the minimalist set is Luke Blomstrom, working with Scenic Artist Jan Joyce, Props by Jason Sizemore and Todd Croslis and Lighting Designer Will Morris. Sound Designers are Gabe Moses and Will Morris. Hair and Wigs are by Darlene Juhasz.

The Civic production of “Trouble in Mind” recalls its August 2022 production of another “lost” play, “Indecent,” which Broadway shut down in 1923.

Kudos to “Trouble in Mind” Producer William Sanders, Civic Theatre of Allentown Artistic Director, for continuing to make some good “Trouble” on the Lehigh Valley Stage.

For aficionados of the American stage, students of black history and theater-goers who want to witness some fine performances, don’t miss “Trouble in Mind.”

“Trouble in Mind” continues 7:30 p.m. March 24, 25; 2 p.m. March 26, Civic Theatre of Allentown, Theatre514, 514 N. 19th St., Allentown. Tickets: 610-432-8943; http://civictheatre.org