2024/25 Season

Primary Trust

West Coast Premiere

Primary Trust

SEP 24 – OCT 20, 2024 | Mandell Weiss Forum Theatre

By Eboni Booth

Directed by Knud Adams

Must close Oct 20! Most shows have limited availability, but please check back for ticket releases. You can also take your chances on Rush tickets, and follow us on Instagram where we post ticket releases on our Stories.

 
Winner of the 2024 Pulitzer Prize for Drama

Happy hour is a state of mind.

When Primary Trust by Eboni Booth premiered in New York in 2023, The Observer said, “it will restore your faith in theatre’s elemental storytelling powers.” The Daily Beast said it’s “pretty darn near to perfect.” Don’t miss the West Coast premiere of this award-winning New York Times Critic’s Pick play that will surprise you, and fill you with hope. 

Kenneth, a 38-year-old bookstore worker in a small upstate New York town, spends his evenings sipping mai tais at the local tiki bar with his best friend Bert. When he’s suddenly laid off, Kenneth faces challenges he has long avoided—with transformative and heart-warming results. Primary Trust is a touching story of new beginnings, old (and new) friends, and finding the courage to see the world for the first time. 

“This is the story of a friendship. Of how I got a new job. A story of love and balance and time.” Kenneth, Primary Trust 


Knud Adams directed Primary Trust’s premiere in New York to critical and audience acclaim:

“Tender, delicately detailed portrait”
The New York Times

“Very funny and piercingly moving”
“Five-star exceptional… a buffed-to-gleaming jewel.”
The Daily Beast

“Touching and inventive”
— BroadwayWorld

“Beautiful writing that expertly blends emotion with humor”
— NY Stage Review

“Heartwarming”
— Theatermania


Discover More

Watch a chat about the shows
Artistic Director Christopher Ashley and Artistic Producing Director Eric Keen-Louie talk about each show and why they are excited to share them with Playhouse audiences.

» Read the program online


Ticket Information

Single tickets are now on sale. La Jolla Playhouse is the only authorized ticket seller for this production.

First Look (previews): Sep 24 – Sep 28
Weeks 2 – 4: Oct 1 – Oct 20

‘First Look’ performances are the first week of each show before opening night. These lower-priced tickets allow you to experience the show while the creative team continues polishing and making changes. This stage is vital for the show’s evolution, offering the team a chance to view it from the audience’s perspective. Playhouse staff provide a brief introduction, and the creative team may be in the audience near you taking notes.

Content Guidance
This play includes some strong language and themes of trauma. Stage effects include water-based haze. We understand sensitivities vary from person to person. If you have any questions about content, age-appropriateness or stage effects, please get in touch with our Patron Services team at [email protected] or (858) 550-1010 and we’ll be happy to give you more info.

Trust Us: You Don’t Want to Be Late
There is vital plot info that will be revealed at the very beginning of Primary Trust. Please arrive on time to ensure the best experience and understanding of the play.

Ticket discounts
The Playhouse offers a range of ways to save on tickets, including Military, Student and Rush discounts, and $30 tickets in Area 3. Discounts are subject to availability and conditions may apply. Read more here or call Patron Services at (858) 550-1010 for more info.


Audience Engagement Events

Enhance your Playhouse experience by attending these free events. Simply book your performance for one of the following dates.

Talkback Tuesdays
Participate in a lively discussion with performers and Playhouse staff members immediately following the performance.
Tue, Oct 1 and Oct 8 after the 7:30pm show

Discovery Sunday
Hear from guest speakers in a moderated discussion exploring the themes of the show.
Sun, Oct 13 after the 1pm show


Useful Information

Duration
Approximately 95 mins; no intermission

Latecomers
Out of respect for the cast, for safety and to ensure minimum disruption to fellow theatregoers, latecomers may be seated at the discretion of the House Manager in another seat and may need to wait until an appropriate break.

Parking
Parking is currently free for Primary Trust ticketholders in the new Theatre District Parking Structure when a valid UCSD parking pass is displayed. Find all parking information here.

Covid-19 Policy
La Jolla Playhouse no longer requires patrons to wear masks indoors while attending our theatres. However, we recommend indoor masking while at La Jolla Playhouse. For up-to-date information regarding COVID-19 safety procedures, please visit our Covid Safety Page.

Onsite Dining
La Jolla Playhouse’s on-site restaurant, James’ Place, is open for dinner service at 5pm nightly (Tue – Sun). Please note, James’ Place is not open prior to matinee performances. James’ Place offers full bar service and a selection of specialty sushi, Asian fusion, steak & coastal cuisine items. Reserve your table on OpenTable or by phone on (858) 638-7778. Indoor and outdoor seating available.

Click here to view the menu

Concessions
Concessions opens 60 mins before showtime. Come early to relax outside and enjoy a selection of beer, wine, cocktails, sodas and individually wrapped snacks. All food must be consumed before entering the theatre while concession drinks with lids will be allowed in the theatre.


Access Performance

ACCESS Performance (ASL interpretation): Sat Oct 12, 2pm

The Playhouse caters for a wide range of access and special requirements. Access performances offer American Sign Language interpretation for patrons who are d/Deaf or hard-of-hearing, captioning for patrons to access on individual devices, and a relaxed welcoming environment for patrons with sensory sensitivities. Audio Description for patrons who are blind or have low vision can be requested in advance. Please call (858) 550-1010 or email [email protected] and we will work with you to address your access needs. Find more info about access here.

Sensory Friendly Guide
Read the Sensory Friendly Guide for the Forum Theatre here


Production Sponsors

Brian and Silvija Devine
Karen and Jeff Silberman
Margarita and Philip Wilkinson
Sanford Burnham Prebys

Cast & Creators
  • Creators
  • Cast
  • Design
Venue Info

Mandell Weiss Forum Theatre

The Mandell Weiss Forum is a 400-seat thrust stage theatre, with audience members surrounding the stage on three sides.

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