(Left to right) R.J. Brown as Kenneth, Louis E. Davis as Bert, and Jefferson A. Russell as Clay. Photo by Teresa Castracane Photography.
Written just before the pandemic by playwright Eboni Booth, “Primary Trust” was developed at the 2021 Ojai Playwrights Conference and as part of the IGNITE CHICAGO Festival of New Plays. It was produced by Roundabout Theatre Co. and premiered in 2023, winning two Obie Awards and three Outer Critic Circle Awards for outstanding new Off-Broadway play, performance, and design. Last year, the play won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Prior to coming to Everyman, the play had successful productions last year at the Barrington Stage Co. in Pittsfield, MA, La Jolla Playhouse in San Diego, and the Goodman Theatre in Chicago, as well as at Signature Theatre in Arlington, VA.
…do yourself a favor and see this play. It’s an unforgettable theatrical experience—and bring a friend!
Directed by Reginald L. Douglas (Artistic Director of Mosaic Theater Company in DC), the play’s setting is Cranberry, NY (population 15,000). This medium-sized suburb is 40 miles east of Rochester where Kenneth is a 30+ Black bookstore clerk with an imaginary friend. After the bookstore owner retires and Kenneth no longer has a job, he comes to terms with his grief and loss in a journey of self-discovery as he applies and gets a new job as a teller in a bank named “Primary Trust.”
R.J. Brown portrays Kenneth, the lead character and narrator, with warmth and compassion. He has a strong, appealing stage presence that brings forth an amazing array of emotions. His tale of grief and loss is heartbreaking, and his comedic scenes joyful and funny. Louis Davis, playing the imaginary friend, Bert, is the perfect angel on his shoulder who gives advice and counsel at every opportunity for Kenneth’s social and professional improvement. His casual demeanor takes the edge off some of the stress of Kenneth’s life as he encounters new situations. Both of these actors are making their Everyman debut.
Andrea Bellamore plays an assortment of roles (the Tiki bar waitress/bartender, several different bank customers, and Kenneth’s new friend, Corina). Each character she portrays is distinct in personality, voice, movement, and facial expression of which she has many absolutely hysterical variations. She is a skilled actress who adjusts in a moment from one mood to another with ease. Rounding out the cast is resident company member Jefferson Russell. He plays Sam, the bookstore owner, Clayton, the bank manager, and a brief but hilarious moment as a stuffy French waiter. Through his characterizations, the plot is advanced as he guides Kenneth from the disappointment of losing his job at the bookstore to the encouragement and training he provides for him to succeed in his new job at the bank. He and Corina present the opportunity for Kenneth to have “real” friends.
Paige Hathaway has designed a colorful, eye-appealing set. Four town business buildings represent the bookstore, bank, a Tiki bar with food, and a fancy French restaurant. Each building façade, with multi-colored sign, turns to reveal the inside of the business and is then complemented with set pieces moved off and on stage by the stage crew managed adeptly by Molly Prunty. Harold Burgess’ lighting design highlights each setting appropriately as the actors move from place to place. Kathy Ruvuna’s sound design provides tinkling piano music which enhances the atmosphere of some of the scenes. David Burdick’s costumes are designed and appropriate for each character’s personality.
Eboni Booth has stated that her play is “about being hungry for connection” and “being aware of the gift of other people.” As Kenneth tells us in his introductory narration, “I don’t believe in God or heaven or hell, but I do believe in friends.” The town motto is “Welcome friend, you’re right on time!” So do yourself a favor and see this play. It’s an unforgettable theatrical experience—and bring a friend!
Running Time: One hour and 30 minutes without an intermission.
Advisory: Contains adult language, descriptions of childhood trauma and parental loss, and depictions of alcohol abuse; theatrical haze and herbal cigarettes.
“Primary Trust” runs through March 2, 2025 at Everyman Theatre, 315 West Fayette Street, Baltimore MD 21201. For more information and to purchase tickets, please call the Box Office at 410-752-2208 Tuesday Through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 12 noon to 4 p.m. or go online.
