*Press Release* - Primary Trust at Boise Contemporary Theater

TV and Film stars take the stage at Boise Contemporary Theater (BCT) for a Pulitzer Prize-winning play about human connection and the power of kindness. Previews start Wednesday, February 4, and shows continue through Saturday, February 21, 2026.

“I found that I go to art for a feeling of community and recognition. Like, ‘Wow, I’m not the only person who thinks that! I’m not the only person who does that. I belong to a bigger world.’ And there’s something in that connection that makes me feel – however temporarily – like, ‘Oh, maybe I’ll be okay,’” explained playwright Eboni Booth in a 2023 interview with VMagazine.

That sense of recognition is one of the reasons director Susan Dalian said yes to the BCT production, saying, “It honestly felt like the play I’ve been waiting for since I first started working in theater. It’s theatrical, it’s funny, it’s deeply moving, and it centers on a character that I think everyone will see themselves in somehow. …we need art now more than ever to do what it’s always done: reflect who we are, remind us of what matters, and provoke collective thought. Theatre is such a unique public space where everyone can gather and experience that humanity together. At its core, this play is about a man standing on a threshold — caught between a carefully crafted, controlled life and the possibility of something new. It asks how we take that step toward change, what the risks are, and what we might gain. And ultimately, it reminds us that we can’t do it alone. That step requires human connection — and it requires Trust.”

In 2024, Primary Trust by Eboni Booth won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, three Outer Critics Circle Awards, including Outstanding New Off-Broadway Play, and was nominated for the Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Play.

BCT’s 25|26 Season production debuts several stars from TV and film, plus two Boise locals. Playing Kenneth, Malcolm Barrett’s Emmy-nominated series’ work includes Genius: Aretha opposite Tony-Award winner Cynthia Erivo, The Boys, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and The Sopranos, while favorite series regular roles include Better Off Ted, Preacher, Timeless, and The Changeling (with Academy Award winner Lakieth Stanfield). Some of his movie appearances include the award-winning Dear White People (Sundance, Grand Jury Prize), American Violet (Best Feature, New Hampshire Film Festival), and The Hurt Locker (Oscar Award, Best Picture). Playing his best friend Bert, some of Ben Cain’s film and television credits include FBI: Most Wanted (CBS), Bel-Air (Peacock), Cruel Summer (Freeform), Buried in Barstow (Lifetime), 12 Desperate Hours (Lifetime), and That’s Funny (Amazon and Apple). Playing all the female roles (Corrina/Wally's Waiter/Bank Customers), Cloie Wyatt Taylor’s notable credits include The Mattachine Family (AppleTV), Partners in Rhyme (AMC/ALLBLK), and Future Man (Hulu), plus she’s a singer-songwriter with several singles on Apple Music. Boise actor David Anthony Smith, who plays all the other male roles (Clay/Sam/Le Pousselet Bartender), has appeared in over sixty productions across 25 consecutive seasons with the Idaho Shakespeare Festival, and has starred in the feature films The Hanoi Hilton, Terror in Paradise, Field of Fire, and Judgment Day. Returning to BCT and adding live music to Primary Trust is Boise singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Thomas Paul, a bandleader/solo artist, sideperson, and session performer covering a wide range of genres.

"The level of talent among this cast is truly remarkable. Their resumés speak for themselves, but to see them in action during rehearsals is quite stunning. Pairing that talent with the beautifully human story of Primary Trust is going to make for a magical night of theater," said Producing Artistic Director Benjamin Burdick.

Primary Trust Cast, Production, & Design:

• Malcolm Barrett* (Kenneth)

• Ben Cain* (Bert)

• David Anthony Smith* (Clay/Sam/Le Pousselet Bartender)

• Cloie Wyatt Taylor* (Corrina/Wally’s Waiter/Bank Customers)

• Thomas Paul (Musician)

*Member of Actor’s Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

Production and Design Team:

• Susan Dalian (Director)

• Elena Maddy (Stage Manager)

• Tris Berg (Assistant Stage Manager)

• Sam Murphy (Assistant Stage Manager Sub)

• Nicholas Jules Hewitt (Scenic Designer/Technical Director)

• Chris Pedersen (Master Carpenter)

• Diana Herrera (Lighting Designer)

• Joshua Vrooman (Master Electrician)

• Amandalynn Lovewell (Scenic Charge)

• Arabella Lytton Gay (Scenic Artist)

• Rachael Fry (Props Artisan)

• Harper Justus (Sound Designer)

• Brayden Buckley (Sound Engineer/Sound Board Operator)

• Dacia Murdoch (Light Board Operator)

Primary Trust: Performance dates and more!

• Previews: Wed, Feb. 4 – Fri, Feb. 6, 2026 – All seats only $28.

• Pay What You Want Night: First preview, 7 PM Feb. 4, and last Wednesday, Feb. 18, 7 PM. Pay what you want is available at the door only (not online). Accepting cash and cards (cards incur a small transaction fee).

• First Thursday Happy Hour: 5:30-6:30 PM, Thursday, Feb. 5. Only at our box office during this happy hour event, get tickets to any preview performance for just $20, or 20% off tickets to any regular performance of this play (excluding opening and closing night). Join us for discounts on tap beers from Lost Grove and Woodland Empire, as well as wines generously provided by Hayden Beverage.

• Opening Night: 7 PM Saturday, Feb. 7. Tickets to opening night include the exclusive after party! Enhance your experience with a Pre-Fixe Dinner at Avery Bar + Brasserie for $80 per guest (see website to RSVP).

• Educators’ Night: 7 PM Wednesday, Feb. 11. Any school district employee with a valid school I.D. may buy one ticket at 50% off through our box office with code EDUNIGHT26. Show school I.D. at the door. (Not just for teachers, but any school district employee with a school I.D.).

• Post-Show Convos: 2 PM Saturday, Feb. 14, & 7 PM Friday, Feb. 20. Stay after the performance to talk with actors and other theater makers.

• Closing Day Brunch: Noon, Saturday, Feb. 21. Pre-Fixe Brunch at Avery Bar + Brasserie for $35 per guest (see website to RSVP).

• Closing Night: 7 PM Saturday, Feb. 21.