From May 8 to May 25, 2025, McCarter Theatre Center in Princeton, New Jersey, will present Primary Trust, a new play by Eboni Booth. The production will take place at McCarter’s Berlind Theatre, located at 91 University Place on the Princeton University campus.
Primary Trust won the 2024 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. It is also a New York Times Critics Pick and received strong reviews from national publications. The Daily Beast called it a “five-star, exceptional, buffed-to-gleaming jewel.” The Los Angeles Times described it as both comic and heartfelt, and The Observer praised it as a reminder of theatre’s power to tell essential stories.
This play tells the story of Kenneth, a quiet man who lives a solitary life. He spends his evenings drinking Mai Tais and avoids social interaction. The story begins when Kenneth is pushed to face the outside world. As the play progresses, he must decide whether to take the risk of starting over and building new connections. The plot focuses on everyday challenges and the emotional effort it takes to change.
The performance runs for 1 hour and 40 minutes without intermission. Two post-show discussions are scheduled. The first is on May 11, 2025. The second is on May 17, 2025.
The lead role of Kenneth is played by DeShawn Harold Mitchell. Peter Bisgaier plays multiple roles, including Clay, Sam, and the bartender at Le Pousselet. Lilian Oben appears as Wally’s Waiter and various bank customers. Shane Taylor plays Bert, a key figure in Kenneth’s journey. The production also includes three understudies: CJ Stewart for Kenneth and Bert, Jeff Trainor for Clay and Sam, and Jalisa Williams for Wally’s Waiter.
The McCarter production of Primary Trust is directed by Timothy Douglas, with scenic design by Tony Cisek, and costumes by Trevor Bowen. Lighting is by Peter Maradudin, and Melanie Chen Cole handles sound design. Martavius Parrish serves as associate director, and dramaturgy is by Tatiana Godfrey. The stage management team includes Alison Cote, production stage manager, and Alexandria Griner as assistant stage manager. Casting is by Stephanie Klapper, CSA.
McCarter Theatre Center has a long history of presenting major works. The theatre was incorporated as an independent nonprofit in 1963, but its performance history dates back to 1930. McCarter has hosted premieres of well-known plays such as Our Town by Thornton Wilder, You Can’t Take It With You by Kaufman and Hart, and Bus Stop by William Inge. It has also received several major awards, including the Regional Theatre Tony Award and a Tony Award for Best Play for Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike by Christopher Durang.
Today, McCarter is led by Artistic Director Sarah Rasmussen and Executive Director Martin Miller. The organization is known for supporting new work and engaging diverse voices. Its mission is to create experiences that entertain, inspire, and reflect a broad range of perspectives.
Accessibility services are available. An American Sign Language (ASL) interpreted performance is on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 2:00 PM. An audio-described and open-captioned performance is on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at 2:00 PM. For accessible seating, contact McCarter Theatre Patron Services at 609-258-2787, Tuesday through Saturday, from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
McCarter Theatre Center is a nonprofit performing arts center and a Tony Award-winning regional theatre. It became independent in 1963. Its performance history began in 1930. The theater hosted the premieres of Our Town by Thornton Wilder, You Can’t Take It with You by Kaufman and Hart, and Bus Stop by William Inge. McCarter received the Tony Award for Best Play for Christopher Durang’s Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike.
McCarter Theatre is led by Artistic Director Sarah Rasmussen and Executive Director Martin Miller. Its mission is to create performances that engage the community and reflect diverse perspectives.
Tickets for Primary Trust are now available through McCarter Theatre.
