A pianist (Jonathan Erman) plays in the background as Bert (Kenny Scott) and a Wally’s waiter (Rolanda D. Bell) listen to Kenneth (William Thomas Hodgson) in TheatreWorks Silicon Valley’s ‘Primary Trust.’
Kenneth (William Thomas Hodgson) is 38 years old and works in a bookstore in Cranberry, New York.
As depicted in TheatreWorks Silicon Valley’s production of Eboni Booth’s Pulitzer Prize-winning “Primary Trust.” Kenneth has only one friend, Bert (Kenny Scott).
The two of them hang out at a tiki bar, Wally’s, and drink mai tais served by a succession of waitresses, all played by Rolanda D. Bell.
There’s just one catch. Bert is just an imaginary friend to Kenneth, who was orphaned at age 8 and bounced around thereafter.
When the bookstore owner (Dan Hiatt) decides to close it and move to Arizona for health reasons, Kenneth loses his job.
However, the manager (Hiatt), of a local bank, Primary Trust, hires him as a teller. Soon he’s doing well in his new job.
On the other hand, Kenneth becomes concerned and then upset when Bert no longer shows up.
Eventually Kenneth finds himself relating to other people and realizing that he doesn’t need Bert. He’s doing quite well on his own.
Directed by Jeffrey Lo, the play sometimes seems to move slowly, but it gains momentum.
The four actors all do well, as does Jonathan Erman, who plays piano at Wally’s.
The play is well served by Christopher Fitzer’s scenic design, Becky Bodurtha’s costumes, Steven B. Mannshardt’s lighting and Gregory Robinson’s sound.
Running about 90 minutes without intermission, “Primary Trust” will continue through March 29 at the Lucie Stern Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto.
For tickets and information call (877) 662-8978 or visit theatreworks.org.
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