Primary Trust

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Ross Zentner

James Carrington, left, and Terry Bell in "Primary Trust."

James Carrington, left, and Terry Bell in "Primary Trust," Forward Theater, 2025.

Primary Trust, a 2024 Pulitzer Prize winning play by Eboni Booth, follows the story of a man forced out of his comfortable routine after losing his job. This comedy, which premiered Off-Broadway in 2023 and also netted an Obie for lead actor William Jackson Harper, explores how a single moment of uncertainty can lead to an unexpected new world. This Forward Theater production is the play’s Wisconsin premiere, and tickets were already scarce ahead of the three-week run. Read Anya van Wagtendonk's review here. Performances at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday, plus 2 p.m. matinees on Sept. 13 and 20.

media release: Wisconsin premiere. The New York Times Critics Pick.

To kick off the 2025-26 season, Forward Theater Company will present Primary Trust by Eboni Booth. Directed by Mikael Burke. Performances are in the Playhouse at Overture Center for the Arts, September 4-21. The play features Terry Bell, James Carrington, Lachrisa Grandberry, and Sam D. White.

Winner of the 2024 Pulitzer Prize and one of America’s most-produced plays in 2025, Primary Trust is receiving its Wisconsin debut at Forward.

“Sometimes we read a script and know immediately that we must produce it. This was one of those scripts,” said Artistic Director Jen Uphoff Gray.

“This season, we decided to present four extraordinary plays about people who refuse to accept the status quo in their own lives. Characters who challenge expectations, take control, and remind us that change is always possible. Primary Trust embodies this theme perfectly – I’m thrilled to begin the season with a story of human connection and the family we choose.”  

THE STORY

Kenneth has never needed much: a steady job, a quiet routine, and a mai tai (or two) with his best friend. But when life pulls the rug out from under him, Kenneth is forced to step beyond the familiar and into the unknown. What he discovers is a world richer and more expansive than he ever imagined. This whimsical new comedy reminds us that sometimes, the smallest steps lead to the most extraordinary transformations.

ARTISTIC TEAM

Primary Trust features Terry Bell, James Carrington, Lachrisa Grandberry, and Sam D. White.

Scenic Designer: Chris Dunham

Lighting Designer: Maaz Ahmed

Costume Designer: Karen Brown-Larimore

Composer/Sound Designer: Joe Cerqua

Props Master: Jolie Sarajian

Technical Directors: Aaron Sewell, Steve Watson

Stage Manager: Abbi Hess

“An utterly absorbing, very funny, darn near perfect play.” – The Daily Beast

ASL Interpretation: The Saturday, September 20, performance at 2:00pm will have ASL interpretation and audio description. Special seating is available with a view of the ASL interpreter.

Forward Theater also offers a variety of amenities in the Playhouse at Overture Center that make the theater going experience more accessible for all, including assistive listening devices, large print programs, and more. Visit forwardtheater.com/accessibility for details.

Primary Trust is generously sponsored by Counting on the Arts, Lake Ridge Bank, and Madison365.