Театр «Вестон» завершил 90-й сезон постановкой пьесы «Первичное доверие» о жизни обычного человека Кеннета

Kenneth is one of those people that everyone likes — when they notice him. Now 30, Kenneth has created his own orderly little world, the job at the bookstore followed by mai tais at a local bar with his best friend Bert — until losing his job forces him out into the “real” world. Eboni Booth’s uniquely gentle comedy “Primary Trust” follows the unprepossessing young man as he faces challenges the rest of the world has dealt with daily — but this is Kenneth’s first time around. And he’s sure he’s not ready. Weston Theater Company’s richly humorous and deeply touching production of the 2024 Pulitzer Prize-winning play, which opened Friday at Walker Farm, closes Vermont’s oldest professional theater company’s 90th season. The Weston production’s success is largely due to a universally excellent cast with intimate ensemble acting, directed by Bobbin Ramsey. As the story builds, they draw us into the “little” life that is Kenneth’s. And we can’t help but root for him. Kenneth is a very ordinary nice guy who has never enjoyed a social life. The only friend he has is Bert, and he — for reasons we’ll discover — can’t help all that much. Kenneth has no social skills — but what saves him is his natural kindness. At Wally’s Tiki Bar, Kenneth’s “home” after work, the outgoing waitress Corinna sympathizes with Kenneth’s plight and suggests he apply for a job at the bank — they’re looking for tellers. (Kenneth’s mother worked at a bank.) Kenneth applies, and the ebullient but kind bank manager Clay gives him the job, beginning an adventure filled with failures and successes. Kenneth gets a taste of romance, but only a taste. Still, he begins to have a life. Then Kenneth goes through the biggest challenge of his adult life, and he fails — at first. Lest this seem superficial storytelling, Kenneth reveals his challenging past in snippets — and it all makes sense. Michael Allyn Crawford gives Kenneth real dimension, from his innate fearfulness to his joy at his little successes. As Bert, Raphael Peacock delivers a performance that is rich with warmth and humor—until it's time for “tough love.” Amelia Windom also offers plenty of warmth as well as sensitivity as Kenneth’s new friend Corinna. (Windom plays other waitresses and various bank customers as well.) And David Bonanno gives Clay in a dimension as the understanding bank manager. (Bonanno also plays the bookstore owner.) Weston’s usual polished physical production begins with an attractive stage set by Omid Akbari that exemplifies the small town where this all happens. It also allows for different locations to be suggested by various set pieces, moved by the actors themselves, and aided by the effective lighting design by Kyle Stamm. “Primary Trust” is deeply human storytelling, full of humor and pathos, and Weston’s sensitive production delivers it in all its joy.