A Raw and Moving Performance that Makes This Play One of the Best of the Playhouse Season Yet
A Blog View by Alejandra Enciso-Dardashti
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| James Urbaniak, Caleb Eberhardt, and James Udom in La Jolla Playhouse’s West Coast premiere production of PRIMARY TRUST; photo by Rich Soublet II. |
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| Caleb Eberhardt and Rebecca S’manga Frank in PRIMARY TRUST; photo by Knud Adams. |
Mikaal Sulaiman’s sound design not only coats the scenes and has everyone’s lines come through, but it is also an indicator as Luke Wygodny is a silent musician who plays guitar, keyboard, and cello during the performance, with a bell that is rung to pace/mark what-ifs and shifts to what is happening. Sophia Choi’s costume design matches the set as most characters wear earthy colors that hint at the season and the feel. One character wears a more colorful wardrobe fitting the storytelling and making sense.
Written by Eboni Booth, this play is one of the best of The Playhouse’s season. Booth dives into the life of an older adult who grew up in the foster care system, checking the reactions and -apparently-, the coping mechanisms, balancing the story out with good people and hard-earned success while not making it feel like a fairytale. It is raw and moving.
Caleb Eberhardt’s performance is endearing. Through Knud Adams’s direction, Kenneth’s feelings and process are revealed organically. It could not have been done any other way as changing the rhythm would have been too much to handle. James Urbaniak’s portrayal of Kenneth’s two bosses is harmonious, funny, and authentic. Everyone should have a boss like Clay or Sam and Urbaniak captures that. Rebecca S’manga Frank’s as Corrina brings freshness to the scenes, variety, and fun to the different servers she plays for Wally’s. James Udom rounds out the catharsis in this story by sprinkling stage charm within the events.
This play won the Pulitzer Prize for a reason. It could be triggering for some people but, at the same time, it is brought with such delicacy and care, that it is all worth it in the end. A full-on time of release and reflection at the theatre.
Currently playing until October 20th. For more information please CLICK HERE.
