PRIMARY TRUST NOW SHOWING AT GUTHRIE THEATER October 11 – November 16, 2025

*featured photo of William Sturdivant (Bert) and Bryce Michael Wood (Kenneth) by Dan Norman

It felt wonderful to be back at Guthrie Theater! I couldn’t have asked for a better show to kick off my return.

PRIMARY TRUST by EBONI BOOTH, directed by MARSHALL JONES III, is a poignant story about the power of friendship, not only with others but with ourselves. It highlights how human connections open new doors and can be our path to healing. But that doesn’t always come easy; sometimes we have to let go of what we hold onto so tightly to discover our potential.

“Sometimes the most powerful steps we can take are small steps toward each other.” -Joseph Haj, Artistic Director, Guthrie Theater

PRIMARY TRUST is set in the small town of Cranberry, New York. The story takes you on a journey with Kenneth (Bryce Michael Wood) who hasn’t had an easy life. Despite traumatic events, Kenneth has found solace in routine with his friend Bert (William Sturdivant). He has a fulfilling bookstore job and a fun daily happy hour with Bert, drinking mai tais at Wally’s. That is, until everything changes. Through a new job and new friendships, Kenneth faces his past, take steps to heal, and find new adventures in new places.

There were so many amazing lines throughout the show that touched me to my core. So much so that I found myself saying “yes” out loud. Beautiful reminders that we all need each other. That is the way through. I loved the depth and layers from tears to laughter. PRIMARY TRUST touches on many things at the same time, and I think every person will find something to connect to in this story.

The acting is phenominal with each character taking on multiple roles. Nubia Monks (Wally’s Waiters/Corrina/Bank Customers) is hilarious and amazing how she moves through each role. The creative transitions through Kenny’s life, make it so interesting and easy to follow. Simple, straight forward, BUT powerful.

This show is incredibly timely in a world that is changing so fast. From AI to people turning inward or towards their phones, it shows the importance of human connection. A call that life moves fast and when we get stuck in loops or routines, it is human connection that will wake us up. A reminder that everything changes and to stay in the present. But for NOW.

Did you hear the news?! Owamni by the Sioux Chef is relocating to Guthrie Theater’s restaurant space! I’m so excited to see the restaurant space come alive with such an incredible restaurant. It is a perfect match.

To celebrate, we dined at Owamni before the show. We tried the Bison, Sweet Potatoes, and Green Beens. Everything was delicous! The vibes, views of the Stone Arch Bridge, and service are top notch.

Owamni is a full-service Indigenous restaurant using decolonized ingredients, and removing ingredients such as wheat flour, cane sugar, and dairy.

It was an honor to experience.

Don’t miss PRIMARY TRUST this fall! Details below.

Primary Trust
by EBONI BOOTH
directed by MARSHALL JONES III
McGuire Proscenium Stage
October 11 – November 16, 2025

Single and group tickets are now on sale at the Box Office or online at guthrietheater.org. Accessibility services (ASL-interpreted, audio-described and open-captioned performances) are also available on select dates.

©Tracy Blowers