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MOE & JACK ROUSE and RANDOLPH WADSWORTH present
PRIMARY TRUST
- By Eboni Booth
- Directed by Timothy Douglas
FEB. 1 – 23, 2025
MOE AND JACK'S PLACE — THE ROUSE THEATRE
Co-produced with McCarter Theatre Center
MOE & JACK ROUSE and RANDOLPH WADSWORTH present
FEB. 1 – 23, 2025
MOE AND JACK'S PLACE — THE ROUSE THEATRE
Co-produced with McCarter Theatre Center
Winner of the 2024 Pulitzer Prize for Drama! Written with profound affection for the hero at its center, Primary Trust is an achingly beautiful, modern-day tale that celebrates friendship and connection. Meet Kenneth, a shy, Black 38-year-old man who sells books by day and drinks mai tais with his best friend Bert by night. When Kenneth is suddenly laid off from his job, the walls of his comfortable, predictable life start to crumble until he finds kindness and friendship in unlikely places. Hailed by critics as “utterly absorbing” (The Daily Beast) and “wonderfully vivid” (The New York Times), this recent off-Broadway hit paints a heartening portrait of a life that’s far from simple.
“As tenderhearted as it is spryly comic and as poignant as it is ultimately uplifting.” – Los Angeles Times
Primary Trust is recommended for older teenage and adult audiences. The characters navigate life’s complexities with very strong adult language and mature themes including childhood trauma, alcohol use and mental health issues.
This show runs approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes, with no intermission.
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DeShawn Harold Mitchell (Kenneth) and Shane Taylor (Bert). Photo by Mikki Schaffner.
DeShawn Harold Mitchell (Kenneth) and Lilian Oben (Bank Customer). Photo by Mikki Schaffner.
DeShawn Harold Mitchell (Kenneth) and Peter Bisgaier (Clay). Photo by Mikki Schaffner.
(Left to right) Shane Taylor (Bert), DeShawn Harold Mitchell (Kenneth) and Lilian Oben (Wally’s Waiter). Photo by Mikki Schaffner.
DeShawn Harold Mitchell (Kenneth) and Shane Taylor (Bert). Photo by Mikki Schaffner.
(Left to right) Lilian Oben (Corrina), Peter Bisgaier (Le Pousselet Waiter) and DeShawn Harold Mitchell (Kenneth). Photo by Mikki Schaffner.
DeShawn Harold Mitchell (Kenneth). Photo by Mikki Schaffner.
(Left to right) DeShawn Harold Mitchell (Kenneth), Lilian Oben (Bank Customer) and Shane Taylor (Bert). Photo by Mikki Schaffner.
Lilian Oben (Corrina) and DeShawn Harold Mitchell (Kenneth). Photo by Mikki Schaffner.
DeShawn Harold Mitchell (Kenneth). Photo by Mikki Schaffner.
Eboni Booth's Primary Trust, winner of the 2024 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, is all about the power of human connection. The Playhouse's production, directed by Timothy Douglas, emphasizes the sheer necessity of community, belonging and kindness in our everyday lives.
Read more
Director Timothy Douglas delves into the creative process behind the Playhouse's production of Eboni Booth's Primary Trust, exploring the show's themes, the casting process and the collaboration between the creative team to bring this poignant piece to the Playhouse stage.
Read More
Be among the first to see the show before opening night and save! Preview performance tickets are discounted.
Tuesdays, February 4, 11 and 18 at 6:30 p.m.
Come early and hear about themes and background of the show from Literary Manager Tatiana Godfrey. The pre-performance talks are free and last approximately 20 minutes in the Kaplan Lobby. No reservation or additional ticket is required.
Share the excitement of Thursday opening nights!
Join Black influencers, leaders and tastemakers for an incredible evening of entertainment that highlights Black voices and stories. Gather pre-show for conversation from 6 – 7 p.m. and enjoy an ArtTalk with members of the artistic team after the performance. The evening recognizes The DAD Initiative (dadinitiative.com) for its important work in the community. Cash bar. Open to all with tickets to that evening’s performance.
$10 Tuesday!
A minimum of 100 $10 tickets with balcony seating will be available for purchase in-person at the Playhouse Box Office beginning at noon on Tuesday, Feb. 11 for that evening's 7:30 p.m. performance. Limit two per person. No advance reservations or choice of seating. Subject to availability.
(Formerly Meet the Artists), stay after select performances for a behind-the-scenes discussion with members of the artistic team.
Pay What You Can performances are an additional way we try to make live theatre accessible to those who otherwise might not be able to attend our shows. Tickets can be purchased by phone at 513-421-3888 or in person beginning at noon, day of the performance only. Tickets are subject to availability.
Thursday, February 20
Meet-up from 6–7 p.m., Performance at 7:30 p.m.
Attend the theatre solo, but not alone! Join us for our SOLO NIGHT at Primary Trust, a play that celebrates friendship and connection. It’s a meet-up with others who share a love of theatre but may not always have a friend or partner with the same passion to come along. Enjoy HALF-PRICE on your single seat to the show on Thursday, Feb. 20, and join us from 6–7 p.m. in the Kaplan Lobby for a free, pre-show meet-up with other solos that includes drink specials and light snacks. Come as strangers, leave as friends!
If you are a season ticket holder or already purchased a ticket to attend alone, consider exchanging to join the preshow meet-up. Call the Box Office at 513-421-3888 to exchange your date and reserve your spot.
Trained volunteers describe the visual elements of the production via a hearing enhancement system, allowing patrons to hear dialogue, music and other sound effects. The description is timed to avoid interfering with dialogue. Before the show and during intermission, show and actor information are shared.
Each Rouse Theatre production offers one signed ASL performance during the show's run.
MOE AND JACK
ROUSE
RANDOLPH
WADSWORTH
JULIE AND STEVEN J. SHIFMAN
JOHN AND JENNIFER
STEIN
MARTY C.
TOMB
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