SpeakEasy's moving 'Primary Trust' explores the importance of connection

Loneliness colors the life of Kenneth, a 38-year-old Black man who resides in the small town of Cranberry, New York. In this place — with a population of 15,000 and the slogan “Welcome, friend. You’re Right On Time!” — Kenneth navigates his days quietly, only speaking with his friend Bert, whom he meets for drinks every day during happy hour at his favorite bar, Wally’s.

Kenneth, the lead character in SpeakEasy Stage Company’s moving production of “Primary Trust,” appears kind and capable, but with an underlying fear of realizing the fullness of his existence. He spends his days working at a bookstore, where he’s been employed for 20 years, but when his boss closes the store with only two weeks’ notice, Kenneth scrambles to consider what’s next for his life. In turmoil, he heads to his usual haunt, Wally’s, where the mai tais are plentiful, the double-baked potato is cooked just right, and the staff members don Hawaiian shirts. At Wally’s, Kenneth confides in Bert, who often acts as a voice of reason. The only hitch? Bert is imaginary.

“Primary Trust” is smartly steered by the show’s director, Dawn M. Simmons, SpeakEasy’s new artistic director. It’s the first show Simmons has helmed in her new role. With this play, she continues the theater’s history of highlighting diverse stories. The theater’s recent track record emphasizes its commitment to showcasing narratives that explore the importance of connection and identity: the excellent musical “A Man of No Importance” (directed by former artistic director Paul Daigneault);  “Ain’t No Mo’” (a co-production between SpeakEasy and The Front Porch Arts Collectivce); last year’s “A Case for the Existence of God” about an unlikely friendship; and “Jaja’s African Hair Braiding,” which centered African immigrants trying to carve out a life in New York.

Written by Eboni Booth, the Pulitzer Prize-winning “Primary Trust” explores the impact of profound loss, memory and the importance of community. In an interview with American Theatre magazine, Booth shared, “I often feel like I’m sort of on the margins, so I do find myself gravitating toward people and things that can preserve that alienation.” Alienation, Booth said, is something she will likely always write about.

In “Primary Trust,” Kenneth isn’t able to reach out to others or break from his routine. He spends all of his time alone, talking to himself.

David J. Castillo wonderfully renders the role of the tender Kenneth. Three other talented actors make up Kenneth’s entire world in the show. Arthur Gomez portrays the jovial and steady Bert. Janelle Grace is the warm and friendly Corrina (one of the waiters at Wally’s) and other background characters. And Luis Negrón plays Clay, the owner of the bookstore, bank manager Sam, and the hilarious Le Pousselet bartender. Corrina becomes a friend who pushes Kenneth to apply for a job at the bank, and Sam gives Kenneth a second chance after a snafu at work.

Still, there’s a melancholic thread throughout the narrative due to the death of Kenneth’s mom when he was young. Because of this, Castillo’s Kenneth appears to be in a perpetual state of discomfort,  physically embodied by the actor. “There was a daily quiet happiness that I lost when I lost her,” he shares.

“Primary Trust” isn’t a play that offers bombastic tension; rather, its simmering sadness makes the audience want more for the emotionally stuck Kenneth. What the play expertly provides is a glimpse of an ordinary life transformed by kindness and community. Ultimately, Kenneth learns some valuable lessons in the play: taking a risk doesn’t have to be frightening; a new friend can make life more enjoyable; and a new job can offer endless possibilities.

SpeakEasy Stage Company’s “Primary Trust” runs through Oct. 11.