TheaterWorks Hartford, Hartford CT
through May 11, 2025
by Jarice Hanson
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extraordinary story of a young man who, at the age of 38, comes to terms with a childhood trauma and finds himself with an odd group of new friends who show him the path to becoming a man. This story is so well crafted it’s hard to realize it began in the playwright’s classroom, and the universal themes of friendship, loss, and hope are just what is needed at this time in history. Booth’s clever story is one of the most imaginative new works in the past few years.
The hero of the story is Kenneth, played by the exceptionally talented actor, Justin Weaks. The actor’s physicality, his exceptional diction, and his full commitment to embodying Kenneth is a master class in performance.
He is ably supported by the vivacious Hilary Ward who makes changing characters (sometimes in mid-scene) seem easy. Much of the comedy is carried by Ricardo Chavira who plays a number of characters as diverse as an enthusiastic bank manager to a snooty French waiter, often suggesting the character’s attitude with a slight gesture or facial tic. Samuel Stricklen as Kenneth’s best friend, Bert, is everything you would want in a friend. He is truthful, helpful, and acts as the conscience to Kenneth’s outbursts. But is he real?
Directed briskly by Jennifer Chang and set in Nicholas Pontin’s very ingenious set design, suggestive of “anywhere” in a small town, the play is enhanced by Bryan Ealey’s innovative lighting and Frederick Kennedy’s sound design. The 95-minutes fly by, though every word can be heard clearly throughout the theater.
TheaterWorks is an intimate space, and shows with this much heart and commitment seem to resonate with the audience. It is not surprising at all to hear strangers entering into conversations about how good the show was, and what touched them deeply.
“Primary Trust” is an extraordinary play that makes audience members think for days after seeing it. A recommendation to future audiences is to experience this production in order to fully understand not only the power of theater, but the power of humanity.