Review: New Charlotte play will cure your loneliness, one laugh or tear at a time
Kenneth is at his peak loneliness.
A Harvard study in 2024 found that 29% of the people between the ages of 30 and 44 that were surveyed listed themselves as “frequently” or “always” lonely. Folks who made under $30,000 were the most lonely.
But things are looking up for Kenneth in the small town of Cranberry, New York. He may have found a cure.
“Primary Trust,” the latest production from Three Bone Theatre, asks us how we take care of ourselves mentally. How do we mind companionship and communion with others if we can’t put ourselves out there and take a risk?
Kenneth (Miles Thompson) would qualify as lonely. He is 38-years-old and just lost his job of over 20 years at the bookshop after its owner Sam (Tim Huffman) told Kenneth his health was forcing him to retire and move to Arizona. Disheveled by the news, he sought guidance from his friend Bert (Marvin King), a father of two who has been Kenneth’s confidant for years.
Bert is always there for Kenneth. It’s just unfortunate that he isn’t always… there.
Bert doesn’t exist outside of Kenneth’s mind.
The 2024 Pulitzer Prize-winning play from Eboni Booth is expertly brought to life by Three Bone education manager Tiffany-Bryant Jackson in what might be their most ambitious set design that I’ve seen. The world, to an extent, lives in Kenneth’s head, and we get to embody that world even if it feels small.
The main figure of his world is the bar at Wally’s, his favorite tiki bar and restaurant in Cranberry, where he enjoys a daily pair of mai tais with Bert. They talk about the day, relive memories, Kenneth asks about how Bert’s kids are, and they enjoy each other’s company.
But after losing his job, Kenneth goes to the bar alone, which is where he meets Corrina (Frandasia “Frannie” Williams) who gives him the idea for a possible next job and also sparks a potential friendship.
Wally’s is stable. The mai tais taste good each time and the food is always on point. But Kenneth is not stable anymore.
Occasionally, as Thompson speaks, the sounds of joy cut away as he tries to collect himself. A lot of times Bert is there and can help with a breathing exercise, but it’s not always the case.
Dealing with other people isn’t Kenneth’s forte.
He lost his mother when he was younger and embarked on a journey to foster homes and orphanages. Other people aren’t really his thing, though he’s been able to make it work with folks like Sam.
He gets a new job – bank teller (like his mother) – and seems to get along with his new boss Clay (Huffman). But it feels like things might be going too well.
The people are what keeps you in your seat at “Primary Trust,” as there isn’t a slack performance from the bunch. Thompson plays Kenneth with quiet enthusiasm, capturing both insecurity and fear but carries a charm that provides potential for the character.
I would cast King in everything – such a warm, welcoming presence and provider of levity (and a bit of humor) in many scenes. It’s been such a pleasure to see him at Three Bone between “Trust” and “... what the end will be” last year.
Both Huffman and Williams charm with their breadth of talent, each playing multiple roles. Huffman handles the comedy with ease. I feel like I know Clay the most, who gives us some of our bigger laughs.
Williams was the biggest star for me. I’m not sure I have a count on how many voices and characters she played between waiters and waitresses at Wally’s, and bank customers. But her central role as Corinna was divine. She carried such kindness and energy, it was difficult not to fall in love immediately.
“Primary Trust” may deal with loneliness head on, but you won’t leave the theater feeling alone after you spend 90 minutes with these lovable characters.
Want to go?
The play runs through Feb. 22 at The Arts Factory at West End Studios, 1545 W. Trade St., Charlotte. Tickets can be purchased on the Three Bone website, threebonetheatre.com/.
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This story was originally published February 12, 2026 at 11:20 AM.
