Primary Trust

by EBONI BOOTH 
directed by MARSHALL JONES III 
McGuire Proscenium Stage

A hopeful story of courage

In a small town in upstate New York, 38-year-old Kenneth has everything he needs: a bookstore job he loves, his best friend Bert, daily mai tais at Wally’s and a simple, steady routine — that is, until he finds himself unemployed. With Bert’s encouragement, Kenneth applies to be a teller at Primary Trust Bank, and he gets the job. Thriving at work, he slowly begins to open his heart to new people and possibilities. But when newfound rhythms threaten his friendship with Bert, Kenneth must face his past before he can fully embrace his future. This Pulitzer Prize-winning new play reveals our universal need for human connection and each other.  

Three things to know

  • Primary Trust debuted Off-Broadway in 2023 and received vast critical acclaim, including the 2024 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. The Daily Beast called it "beautifully written ... a 95-minute, intermissionless, buffed-to-gleaming jewel."
  • Director Marshall Jones III, who is making his Guthrie directorial debut, has held executive positions at renowned venues including the Apollo Theater, Madison Square Garden and Radio City Music Hall.
  • This is the Guthrie's first production of playwright Eboni Booth's work. In conversation with American Theatre, Booth emphasized the play's theme of community: "We need each other, and I think that’s important. To be able to let people in is crucial."

Venue info 

This production will take place on the McGuire Proscenium Stage.

Pro tip: Can't do stairs or have a special seating request? Call the Box Office for details.

Ticket prices

Ticket prices range from $35 to $94, including handling fees. Read about our ticket handling fees and policies

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Run time

Approximately 1 hour, 35 minutes (no intermission)

Age recommendation

We recommend this production for ages 12 and up. 

Content advisory

Primary Trust contains mature themes. Click below for more details. Because content sensitivities vary from person to person, we encourage you to call the Box Office to determine if this production is suitable for you and your party.

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Group sales 

All student and adult groups of 15 or more qualify for discounts on tickets to Guthrie productions.

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Accessibility

ASL-interpreted, audio-described and open-captioned performances are available on select dates.

Audio describer: Alyssa Herzog Melby

ASL interpreters: Breanna Boyce, Dr. Regina Daniels and Tamajai’ Grady

Captioner: Caitlin Childe-Archuleta

Download the audio description notes and ASL program.

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Pop-Up Book Fair

Saturday, November 1, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. 
Level One  

Inspired by the small-town Yellowed Pages bookstore featured in Primary Trust, we're hosting a book fair where you can find your next great read and pair it with mugs, teas, candles and more. Shop a variety of books and other goods curated by local bookstores. This event is free and open to the public. Bring your friends and loved ones!

Featured Vendors

Digital program and play guide

Want to dig deeper into the story? Download the digital program and play guide.

In the news

“Casually exquisite”

The Minnesota Star Tribune called Primary Trust “a journey of laughter, joy and heart.”

Read the Review

“Masterfully acted production”

Read how Primary Trust “finds beauty in life’s small moments” in this review by Minnesota Monthly.

Read the Review

Artists

Cast

Pearce Bunting

Sam/Clay/Le Pousselet Bartender

Nubia Monks

Wally's Waiters/Corrina/Bank Customers

William Sturdivant

Bert

Bryce Michael Wood

Kenneth

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Creative team

Eboni Booth

Playwright

Marshall Jones III

Director

Sara Ryung Clement

Scenic Designer

An-Lin Dauber

Costume Designer

Jason Lynch

Lighting Designer

Lindsay Jones

Sound Designer/Composer

Faye M. Price

Dramaturg

Lori Lundquist

Stage Manager

Marne Anderson

Assistant Stage Manager

Jennifer Liestman, C.S.A.

Resident Casting Director

Joey Miller

Movement Coordinator

Keely Wolter

Resident Vocal Coach

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