PRIMARY TRUST Review

By Katrina “Kat” Reynolds

PRIMARY TRUST Review presented by Cincinnati in the Park through February 23rd. I attended the Opening Night performance. 

Shane Taylor as Bert, DeShawn Harold Mitchell as Kenneth and Lilian Oben as Wally’s Waiter. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

I love when I can go into a new play “cold”, aka knowing very little to nothing about what I am going to see. While it can be a gamble, the audience will be a winner when they attend Primary Trust by Eboni Booth at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park’s The Rouse Theatre (Moe & Jack’s Place), co-produced with McCarter Theatre Center. Winner of the 2024 Pulitzer Prize for drama, Primary Trust introduces us to a shy, Black 38-year-old man named Kenneth who works at a local bookstore by day and enjoys a mai tai or two at a local Happy Hour by night.

Director Timothy Douglas’s vision is an absolute work of art. The pacing is excellent and the use of the playing space is a choreography of brilliance. Set Designer Tony Cisek chooses inventive ways to change the scenes and manages to always keep the main action front and centre. Special shout-out to Costume Designer Trevor Bowen: such a mastery of finding the sweet spot in those who have frequent changes to those who do not alter their looks at all. Ridiculously well done!

Huge praise to Casting Director Stephanie Klapper in assembling a strong and mighty cast of four performing artists to tell the tale of life and friendship. While this is a cohesive ensemble with a lot of chemistry, there are certainly moments of note. As our beloved protagonist, DeShawn Harold Mitchell is nothing short of perfection as Kenneth. His ability to portray who is ultimately a great human just trying to get by in this world is exemplary. It can be a tall order to play a character who is seemingly simple without keeping him in that corner and Mr. Mitchell is able to keep the pure heart of Kenneth present while finally unravelling some unpleasant happenings. It was a wonderful feeling when I realized I was not alone in my championing of Kenneth as the audience was right behind him at every move. Bravo, Mr. Mitchell – you understood the assignment.

Taking on several different roles in Kenneth’s life is Lilian Oben. To loosely quote my partner in crime, “This show is hers.” Ms. Oben is a genius of comedy and characterization as well as so relatable that you wish she were your friend. Additional character support of Shane Taylor as Bert and Peter Bisgaier in multiple roles round out this team beautifully. Each actor possesses incredible skills and knows exactly how to use them.

It will come as no surprise to you that this show is beyond deserving of its 2024 Pulitzer. The dialogue flows easily and is both entertaining and poignant. No matter what beginnings we have, there is always room for us to be kind and accomplish something great. And with the help of friendships, anything is possible. 

Click here for more information about the production.