Primary Trust Brings Powerful Story of Friendship to Westport Country Playhouse
By Kiersten Bjork (April 21, 2026)
“A story of friendship, change, and second chances…one mai tai at a time,” reads the tagline of Primary Trust, the 2024 Pulitzer Prize-winning drama by Eboni Booth currently running at Westport Country Playhouse through May 2, 2026. Reading that line before attending the performance, I wasn’t quite prepared to be moved to tears by the end of the 90-minute show.
Primary Trust follows Kenneth, a young man in his 30s as he faces some major life shifts, including the loss of the job that he has held for over 20 years. One unique thing about Kenneth? He has only one friend: Bert. Now you might be wondering why that makes him unique, but as it turns out, Bert isn’t actually a “real” person. He’s very real to Kenneth, but for the rest of the world? They can’t see him.
What unfolds is a powerful story of friendship, family, and connection. As Kenneth struggles with his own inner conflicts, and with his own mind, we are invited into the everyday moments as he learns to breathe through his fears, from having drinks with the waitress from Wally's–his favorite bar–to stepping into a meeting in his boss’ office. As we see the world through Kenneth’s eyes, we are reminded of the value of loving someone for no matter how long or short of a time we may have with them. The final moments of the performance had more than a few audience members choked up–myself included.
“A story of friendship, change, and second chances…one mai tai at a time,” reads the tagline of Primary Trust, the 2024 Pulitzer Prize-winning drama by Eboni Booth currently running at Westport Country Playhouse through May 2, 2026. Reading that line before attending the performance, I wasn’t quite prepared to be moved to tears by the end of the 90-minute show.
Primary Trust follows Kenneth, a young man in his 30s as he faces some major life shifts, including the loss of the job that he has held for over 20 years. One unique thing about Kenneth? He has only one friend: Bert. Now you might be wondering why that makes him unique, but as it turns out, Bert isn’t actually a “real” person. He’s very real to Kenneth, but for the rest of the world? They can’t see him.
What unfolds is a powerful story of friendship, family, and connection. As Kenneth struggles with his own inner conflicts, and with his own mind, we are invited into the everyday moments as he learns to breathe through his fears, from having drinks with the waitress from Wally's–his favorite bar–to stepping into a meeting in his boss’ office. As we see the world through Kenneth’s eyes, we are reminded of the value of loving someone for no matter how long or short of a time we may have with them. The final moments of the performance had more than a few audience members choked up–myself included.
Alphonso Walker Jr. and Lance Coadie Williams in Westport Country Playhouse’s Primary Trust (Carol Rosegg)
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Alphonso Walker Jr. and Jasminn Johnson in Westport Country Playhouse’s Primary Trust (Carol Rosegg)
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Alphonso Walker Jr. takes on the role of Kenneth and does a truly remarkable job with the part. Carrying much of the heavy lifting, Walker Jr. has the audience hanging on his every word. He is controlled, and he is intentional with every syllable, so in the moments when Kenneth’s feelings bubble up and reach a tipping point, the explosion is all the more impactful. Walker Jr. has a soft yet strong presence, showing us a character that has both experienced childhood traumas, and lived through it to tell the tale. It’s an incredibly powerful performance on all accounts.
As Bert, Lance Coadie Williams brings a dynamic voice that booms through the theatre, providing both a grounded presence and a delightful joy, depending on what Kenneth needs in any given moment. Walker Jr. and Williams are excellent scene partners, and I particularly enjoyed the instances when they were simply laughing together–you can feel a palpable bond between the two characters, and performers.
Jasminn Johnson brings some much needed humor as Corinna, a range of different Wally’s waiters, and as multiple bank customers. Johnson goes above and beyond with vocal and physical choices to differentiate her many roles, sometimes switching characters without more than a second to turn on her heel, and it’s truly a delight. As Corinna, she is playful yet sincere, and shares some wonderfully touching moments with Walker Jr.
Greg Stuhr also wears numerous hats, from Clay and Sam–two of Kenneth’s bosses–to the bartender at a classy restaurant. Like Johnson, Stuhr does excellent work at creating incredibly distinct characters, despite the multiple changes. From the gruff and weathered Sam, to the go get ‘em Clay, he gives a strong performance from start to finish.
As Bert, Lance Coadie Williams brings a dynamic voice that booms through the theatre, providing both a grounded presence and a delightful joy, depending on what Kenneth needs in any given moment. Walker Jr. and Williams are excellent scene partners, and I particularly enjoyed the instances when they were simply laughing together–you can feel a palpable bond between the two characters, and performers.
Jasminn Johnson brings some much needed humor as Corinna, a range of different Wally’s waiters, and as multiple bank customers. Johnson goes above and beyond with vocal and physical choices to differentiate her many roles, sometimes switching characters without more than a second to turn on her heel, and it’s truly a delight. As Corinna, she is playful yet sincere, and shares some wonderfully touching moments with Walker Jr.
Greg Stuhr also wears numerous hats, from Clay and Sam–two of Kenneth’s bosses–to the bartender at a classy restaurant. Like Johnson, Stuhr does excellent work at creating incredibly distinct characters, despite the multiple changes. From the gruff and weathered Sam, to the go get ‘em Clay, he gives a strong performance from start to finish.
Greg Stuhr, Lance Coadie Williams, and Alphonso Walker Jr. in Westport Country Playhouse’s Primary Trust (Carol Rosegg)
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Jasminn Johnson and Alphonso Walker Jr. in Westport Country Playhouse’s Primary Trust (Carol Rosegg)
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Logan Vaughn serves as director for the production, with Anissa Felix as associate director. The team has really crafted a beautiful piece here. It’s heartwarming yet heartwrenching, amusing yet shocking. The story is told with smart direction, precise blocking, and clever, intentional character choices.
Scenic designer Jack Magaw, with associate set designer Lindsay Mummert and props supervisor Hannah F. Tarr, create a colorful, yet muted world for the show to live within. The different locations, from Wally’s bar to the bank, rotate slowly around the stage, the movement of the set a backdrop to Kenneth’s monologues as he moves downstage to speak directly to the audience.
Supported by lighting from designer Jonah Bobilin and assistant designer Niya John, who work magic with color and light to build particular moments up with contrasting looks, the design of the show reflects the characters’ views of their situations in any given moment. Costume design by Ari Fulton adds nicely to the world of the show, as do the upstage projections by Michael Salvatore Commendatore. The sound design by Andrea Allmond–who also is credited for original music–is particularly interesting for this production. A sound somewhat reminiscent of a cash register is utilized through the show to cut in and out of moments. It both marks the passage of time, and also helps to denote character changes and moments when Kenneth breaks the fourth wall. It adds an interesting layer to the story, constantly present as we move through time, ringing in the audience’s ears.
Scenic designer Jack Magaw, with associate set designer Lindsay Mummert and props supervisor Hannah F. Tarr, create a colorful, yet muted world for the show to live within. The different locations, from Wally’s bar to the bank, rotate slowly around the stage, the movement of the set a backdrop to Kenneth’s monologues as he moves downstage to speak directly to the audience.
Supported by lighting from designer Jonah Bobilin and assistant designer Niya John, who work magic with color and light to build particular moments up with contrasting looks, the design of the show reflects the characters’ views of their situations in any given moment. Costume design by Ari Fulton adds nicely to the world of the show, as do the upstage projections by Michael Salvatore Commendatore. The sound design by Andrea Allmond–who also is credited for original music–is particularly interesting for this production. A sound somewhat reminiscent of a cash register is utilized through the show to cut in and out of moments. It both marks the passage of time, and also helps to denote character changes and moments when Kenneth breaks the fourth wall. It adds an interesting layer to the story, constantly present as we move through time, ringing in the audience’s ears.
Greg Stuhr, Alphonso Walker Jr., and Lance Coadie Williams in Westport Country Playhouse’s Primary Trust (Carol Rosegg)
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Alphonso Walker Jr. in Westport Country Playhouse’s Primary Trust (Carol Rosegg)
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Primary Trust offers us a reminder to cherish our friendships. To love, even when it hurts. That one friend can make all the difference. It’s a moving production that will linger in your mind long after you leave the theatre. I highly encourage you to catch a performance at the Playhouse before it closes on May 2–and maybe bring a tissue or two.
Primary Trust plays April 14 - May 2, 2026, at the Westport Country Playhouse in Westport, CT. Learn more and purchase tickets at westportplayhouse.org or by calling the Box Office at (203) 227-4177.
Kiersten Bjork is a professional theatremaker, performer, and reviewer (Connecticut Critics Circle) from Branford, CT.
Primary Trust plays April 14 - May 2, 2026, at the Westport Country Playhouse in Westport, CT. Learn more and purchase tickets at westportplayhouse.org or by calling the Box Office at (203) 227-4177.
Kiersten Bjork is a professional theatremaker, performer, and reviewer (Connecticut Critics Circle) from Branford, CT.