A True Winner

Primary Trust

Have you heard of Eboni Booth? She belongs to an elite group of distinguished playwrights that include Edward Albee, Thornton Wilder and Tennessee Williams, and more recently Lin-Manuel Miranda, Lynn Nottage and August Wilson. Ms. Booth is the greatly deserving recipient of the 2024 Pulitzer Prize for Drama for her glorious one-act, PRIMARY TRUST. And, if that accolade wasn’t enough, consider that this deeply moving 80-minute play, which premiered in New York at the Laura Pels Theatre just last year, also won the Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding New Off-Broadway Play. And now the Goodman Theatre is presenting this sparkling theatrical gem in its Chicago Regional Premiere. And this play, particularly this production, is indeed a true winner!

Kenneth is an affable 38-year-old man living in a small New York suburb. His adult life has always followed a comfortable, if predictable, routine. But that’s about to change. Kenneth has worked at Sam’s Bookstore for a very long time, but now the older owner faces a life-threatening health issue and requires surgery. So Sam, who’s been Kenneth’s boss and dear friend for 20 years, has decided he has to sell the shop, in order to fund the necessary operation, and relocate to Arizona for his health. This sudden, sad news is unexpected and it also puts Kenneth out of work.

Kenneth’s long-time best friend is Bert. After work each evening, Kenneth and Bert meet for mai tais at Wally’s, their favorite tiki bar. The two friends share their day, Bert offers sound advice to his friend and provides the confidence that Kenneth lacks. But there’s just one problem: Bert isn’t actually there. Bert is Kenneth’s imaginary friend. 

Kenneth’s story continues to unfold. When Bert fails to show up one evening at Wally’s, he bravely makes friends with Corrina, one of the many servers. Corrina is outgoing and extremely personable. She’s sincerely empathetic toward Kenneth’s situation and listens to his stories about his traumatic childhood and his current employment problem. Corrina mentions that she overheard some customers saying that the Primary Trust Bank was currently hiring tellers. She suggests that Kenneth should apply for the job. Bert supports his friend by coaching Kenneth and attending the interview with him. Kenneth impresses Clay, the chummy bank manager, reminding him of his brain-damaged brother. And immediately Kenneth is hired and a new life, peppered with even more unexpected changes, is about to begin.

This production is beautifully Directed with love and sensitivity by the Goodman’s BOLD Artistic Director and Congo Square Ensemble member, Malkia Stampley. She gently guides this warm, intimate production that examines the lives of average people who are just trying to get by in life. The play is staged upon a charming Scenic Design by Lex Liang. His setting features large colored cubes of various sizes that represent the buildings of Cranberry, New York. They become various counter tops, chairs and desks, and the background is a colorful abstract map of the town. All this is warmly Lighted by Heather Gilbert. 

PRIMARY TRUST spotlights the talents of four outstanding Chicago actors. The always impressive Namir Smallwood stars as Kenneth, a character who never leaves the stage. The Steppenwolf Ensemble member, whose many credits include Northlight, The Gift and Writers Theatre, creates a gentle, good-natured and truly likable young man who instantly captures the audience’s admiration and acclaim. Mr. Smallwood is simply terrific. But he’s matched by TimeLine Theatre Company member, Charles Andrew Gardner, as Bert. As Kenneth’s best friend, mentor and conscience, Mr. Gardner is a bright, strong and positive influence to the vulnerable young man. 

The two sensational supporting actors in this production have the added onus of creating several roles. In one of his finest of many performances around Chicago, Fred Zimmerman (THE ROSE TATTOO, BOUNCE) demonstrates his talent and versatility playing Sam, Clay and a snooty waiter at the chichi Le Pousselet brasserie. And Christiana Clark, last seen in the Goodman’s THE RIPPLE THE WAVE THAT CARRIED ME HOME, as well as on Broadway in the recent revival of DOUBT, is simply unbelievable. She wins our heart playing Corrina, but she’s simply amazing as several different bank customers and a host of memorable waiters at Wally’s. This gifted actress is magnificent, portraying so many personalities in a myriad of other characters.

This recent Pulitzer Prize-winning play is a true winner. Do not miss this quiet, almost unassuming one-act play that’s laced with warmth and good humor. It’s the feel-good play of the season and a story that reminds us of our need for friends, kinship and human connection in our lives. Eboni Booth’s gently humane play, lovingly Directed by Malkia Stampley, sensitively demonstrates how we can all relate with each other and care for our fellow man, especially as we stretch our arms across the divide that seems to separate all of us.             

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented October 5-November 3 by the Goodman Theatre in their Owen venue, 170 N. Dearborn, Chicago.

Tickets are available in person at the box office, by calling 312-443-3800 or by going to www.goodmantheatre.org.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.