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Right after she saw “Primary Trust” for the first time at the Roundabout Theatre Company in New York City, Syracuse Stage Director Melissa Crespo had the sudden urge to call her mom. She knew she had to bring the show to Syracuse.

“I was blown away,” Crespo said “I left in a ball of tears feeling wonderful about the world.”

Eboni Booth’s “Primary Trust” is playing at Syracuse Stage from Jan. 22 to Feb. 9. The Pulitzer Prize-winning play tells the story of 38-year-old Kenneth (Garrett Turner) as he grapples with isolation, friendship and change alongside his imaginary best friend Bert (Bjorn DuPaty).

After the bookstore Kenneth works at closes, he must confront the traumas that led him to this isolated existence and create new relationships. In the process, he considers applying for a new job at Primary Trust Bank.

“Primary Trust” transports audiences to Cranberry, New York, a fictional town 40 miles east of Rochester. This familiar, central NY setting serves as the play’s “sixth character,” Crespo said. Bringing the show to Syracuse was a “no-brainer.” She hopes local audiences will connect to the story’s themes and see themselves represented in its small town characters.

Courtesy of Joanna Penalva

A miniature portrayal of the fictional town Cranberry, New York is displayed below the stage at Syracuse Stage. With the town hypothetically being an hour away from Rochester, NY, the production aimed to resonate with the upstate NY audience.

Like Syracuse, Cranberry experiences bitter cold months of gray skies and bleak winters that can easily induce feelings of loneliness and isolation. The obvious similarities between Kenneth’s hometown and their own are an instant hook for Syracuse audiences, said Amarando Gutierrez, who performs the show’s music.

At first glance, having an imaginary friend at age 38 might seem like a ridiculous or exaggerated storyline. But upon deeper examination, it represents a larger message of widespread isolation in today’s society, DuPaty said. The show uses Bert’s imaginary character to examine modern human connection.

“I hope (audiences) leave the theater incredibly touched and moved by acts of humanity,” DuPaty said.

Courtesy of Joanna Penalva

“Primary Trust” characters Bert and his imaginary friend Kenney act out one of the play’s scenes. The play explores feelings of loneliness and social disconnect.

Loneliness has been deemed a widespread epidemic, with the mortality impact of social disconnection similar to that caused by smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day, according to the United States Surgeon General. Cast members credit this phenomenon with deepening the relatability and universality of the show’s messages.

It isn’t crazy to think that some audience members may or do have their own imaginary friends to lean on. In a time of global pandemics and widespread technology, people are kept from connecting with others face to face, DuPaty said. With loneliness and disconnection so pervasive, audience members may identify with Kenneth’s position and understand his extreme attempts at connection.

“I feel like there’s a piece of it that can resonate with everyone,” DuPaty said. “Watching people come in and deal with that in a real human way and lead with compassion shows us what we could be.”

Courtesy of Joanna Penalva

Actors playing Bert and Kenneth in “Primary Trust” act out a scene. Cast members attempt to embody the show’s message of the importance of kindness.

Booth’s script leaves room for a musician to play live music on stage during various parts of the show. After working with Crespo in a previous Syracuse Stage production, Gutierrez approached her about wanting to write the music for the show. Crespo knew his composing talent would elevate the show’s impact.

Gutierrez scored the entire play with original music, playing four instruments throughout the production. He created distinct themes for each character based on the actors’ portrayals of them. Gutierrez said he tried to create simplistic musical phrases that repeat throughout the show and tie into the themes and emotions of each scene.

“What I composed to was the voice and the energy and the dynamic of (the cast),” he said. “The way their voices made rhythms with the script was what I answered back to.”

Although the play revolves around loneliness, watching the show can actually alleviate the audience’s own feelings of isolation, Gutierrez said. When they’re seated in the theater and the house lights are dim, viewers are no longer alone.

Joe Zhao | Design Editor

“Loneliness is so potent in our society and culture, but theater is truly an antidote,” Gutierrez said. “There’s a sort of magic trick in the material of the play and what it is actually doing in bringing people together.”

The show’s reception has been overwhelmingly positive, DuPaty said. Viewers have told him they spent the show on a rollercoaster, shifting between laughing and tears. Watching audiences interact with the performance has helped him better understand the power of its story.

“Primary Trust” is a five-person ensemble, with some actors playing multiple characters. Shows that only run for a month usually don’t have time to form strong connections among cast and crew. But, the small cast size cultivated tight-knit relationships, with Gutierrez calling the group a “beautiful little family.” These strong bonds correspond to stronger, more realistic relationships between their characters on stage, DuPaty said.

The smaller cast also allowed for a more collaborative atmosphere in rehearsals, with opportunities for the actors to voice opinions about the script. They formed deeper connections to their characters and input more of their own ideas on how to bring this world to life, Crespo said.

Kenneth’s story emphasizes the importance of regular small acts of kindness, reminding audiences of the impact of thoughtful actions. As Kenneth is impacted by the kindness of others, audiences understand how seemingly insignificant acts can have a heavy impact on those who need them.

“This play really highlights how simple acts between humans have a ripple effect,” Crespo said. “I hope it helps people remember to be kinder to each other, but also to themselves.”

Published on January 30, 2025 at 12:23 am

Contact Eliana: ehrosen@syr.edu