Until March 2nd, The Arts Club Theatre Company presents the Canadian premiere of Primary Trust at the Granville Island Stage. The Pulitzer Prize winning play by Eboni Booth, is a heartwarming and humourous exploration of childhood trauma, loneliness and new friendships.
Told through the eyes of Kenneth, a 38-year-old bookstore worker who enjoys his routine of spending his evenings at his favourite Tiki Bar sipping Mai Tais with is best friend Bert. His life is thrown for a loop when he’s unexpectedly laid off. This sudden break in his routine leaves Kenneth facing uncertainty for the first time. As new challenges arise, new people enter his world and his life begins to change but not before dealing with some without some blips along the way.
The Arts Club’s Artistic Director Ashlie Corcoran directs Primary Trust’s outstanding cast. As Kenneth, present for every moment of the 80 minute play, Andrew Broderick perfectly balances a childlike innocence with turmoil simmering just below the surface. Broadus Mattison gives a calming counter-balance and sensible guidance as Bert. Between them, Celia Aloma and Andrew Wheeler amazingly portray dozens of residents of the upstate New York hamlet of Cranberry, which is creatively brought to the stage by Kevin McAllister’s simply effective set design. Never speaking but always present, musician Anton Lipovetsky provides a live soundtrack to the locations.
The always consummate character actor, Wheeler embodies two of the significant mentors in Kenneth’s life; hacking his way through bookstore shelves as his former boss, and as his new boss reminiscing of his glory days. Celia Aloma is a master of dialects and quick changes as she whips through a multitude of, often hilarious, residents. Most importantly, she plays two people who are integral to Kenneth’s growth, helping him gain confidence and reach a significant turning point in his relationships. Fueled by this growth, the audience leaves Kenneth confident that the trauma and loneliness are healing, new friendships are developing and happy to have had a glimpse into this slice of his life in Cranberry, NY.
Get tickets now as you won’t want to miss opening an account with Primary Trust. Playing at The Arts Club Theatre’s Granville Island Stage until March 2, 2025, find show details and tickets at artsclub.com