The time is 30 years ago and not a smartphone in sight. It’s an almost envious time at this point since our phones bring us so much distraction and distress as much as they do ease and convenience. In Primary Trust, playwright Eboni Booth takes us to a simpler time but emotions can still be tricky to navigate. Only in the ’90s, Kenneth had to do it directly instead of behind a screen.
The phone parallel isn’t the biggest deal here. Merely an echo of director Sasha Maya Ada’s notes in the program. However, the significance is hard to overlook in this delightful story at Stage West where Kenneth both connects and disconnects through his flawed and damaged humanity.
Primary Trust is a co-production with Dallas Theater Center which will host the play on Feb. 23-March 27 at Bryant Hall.
Kenneth has a habit of heading to Wally’s to share Mai Tais over happy hour with his longtime friend Bert. The only thing is — Bert’s not real and while Kenneth is ordering two drinks at a time, the servers figure him as a drunk Wally’s regular. After losing his job at a small bookstore, his attention to detail lands him a job in the Primary Trust bank thanks to the manager Sam who takes a keen eye to Kenneth. He finds success in his job, Bert starts to fade from radar and Corrina, a Wally’s server, sparks Kenneth’s interests. The two bond deeply. She’s encouraging. He’s engaging. But Kenneth’s demons return to try to fuck it all up.
Ada’s touch here played up the show’s sentimentality while giving space to the heavier moments without weighing the show down. The result was a heartfelt story that resonated deep with human nature. The story was simple and straightforward without any pretension that allowed for its tenderness. Ada’s cast delivered smart performances but Lee George carried the show with an earnest portrayal.
The play hinged on George getting Kenneth just right which could have been tricky. Kenneth was complicated but simple and naive while also having a sense of self but also filled with self-doubt. George fully realized all these to bring a likeable character to life. Despite any faults, it was easy to root for this guy even if he’s just a little off. But George left an unforgettable impression that was mic dropped by his final and unexpectedly emotional monologue.
Tiana Kaye Blair was the definition of chameleonic in her multiple roles that included the warm Corrina to George’s Kenneth. Initially, she was the entire wait staff of Wally’s and created a number of unique characters as she entered and exited with numerous walk-ons. She also served as multiple bank customers each with a different dynamic from the previous. She shined as Corrina emanating an empowered agency but also a tender and open heart.
The majority of Brian Mathis’ performance was as Clay, the boisterous bank manager with a heart who turns Kenneth’s life around. As Sam, Kenneth’s former boss, he was more understated. And Jamal Sterling gave a lively Bert that would be hard to resist not sharing drinks with.
Primary Trust touches gently on bigger issues. Kenneth was raised by a single mother who has now passed. He often mentions her working at the other bank in town and perhaps connects to her in that way. There’s no clear indication he’s grieved her tragic death (more for him than her), but his imaginary friend Bert is a distraction but also indicative of mental health issues. He finds people who bring positive aspects to his life and with that, his healing begins as the show ends.
With that in mind, Primary Trust was wholeheartedly endearing. In some ways, Kenneth is all of us when we alienate ourselves, find comfort in unhealthy ways and when we accept good people into our lives. The transformative tale here may not be this grand epic, but the baby steps Kenneth takes might give us all a bit of hope.
The show runs through Feb. 16 at Stage West.
–Rich Lopez
