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| Bert (Kenny Scott, left) listens as Kenneth (William Thomas Hodgson) is interviewed by the bank manager (Dan Hiatt). (Kevin Berne photo) |
Kenneth (William Thomas Hodgson) is 38 years old and
works in a bookstore in Cranberry, N.Y.
As depicted in TheatreWorks Silicon Valley’s
production of Eboni Booth’s Pulitzer Prize-winning “Primary Trust.” Kenneth has
only one friend, Bert (Kenny Scott).
The two of them hang out at a tiki bar, Wally’s, and
drink mai tais served by a succession of waitresses, all played by Rolanda D.
Bell.
There’s just one catch. Bert is just an imaginary
friend to Kenneth, who was orphaned at age 8 and bounced around thereafter.
When the bookstore owner (Dan Hiatt) decides to close
it and move to Arizona for health reasons, Kenneth loses his job.
However, the manager (Hiatt), of a local bank, Primary
Trust, hires him as a teller. Soon he’s doing well in his new job.
On the other hand, Kenneth becomes concerned and then
upset when Bert no longer shows up.
Eventually Kenneth finds himself relating to other
people and realizing that he doesn’t need Bert. He’s doing quite well on his
own.
Directed by Jeffrey Lo, the play sometimes seems to
move slowly, but it gains momentum.
The four actors all do well, as does Jonathan Erman,
who plays piano at Wally’s.
The play is well served by Christopher Fitzer’s scenic
design, Becky Bodurtha’s costumes, Steven B. Mannshardt’s lighting and Gregory
Robinson’s sound.
Running about 90 minutes without intermission,
“Primary Trust” will continue through March 29 at the Lucie Stern Theatre, 1305
Middlefield Road, Palo Alto.
For tickets and information, call (877) 662-8978 or
visit www.theatreworks.org.
