Kenneth’s visits to Wally’s Tiki Bar mean much more to him than just the two-for-one Mai Tais.

Quietly profound and inviting, Primary Trust is a unconventional journey about a lonely townie named Kenneth, performed with humble charm and simmering yearning by David J. Castillo, whose outlook on life is about to be shaken.

With multilayered direction by Dawn M. Simmons, SpeakEasy Stage continues Eboni Booth’s Pulitzer prize-winning dramedy Primary Trust live and in person at Calderwood Pavilion in Boston, Massachusetts through Saturday, October 11.  This intriguing production runs approximately 100 minutes with no intermission.  Click here for more information and for tickets.

What I love most about Eboni Booth’s sharp and rapid fire script is that it is upbeat and funny while evoking a wide spectrum of emotions within its snappy dialogue.  Anna Drummond’s urgent sound design keeps the pace of Booth’s charged and lively script as it veers from one quick witted scenario to the next.  This small cast is more than up for the challenge enhancing the unique and often changing essence of this production.

A show without set changes, Shelley’s Barish’s compelling scenic design holds small town charm divided into sections including an island-inspired Tiki Bar with colorful leis and hale illuminated by Christmas lights as part of Karen Perlow’s soft atmospheric lighting, a stack of oversized books with bookcases, a large bank sign with a large wad of cash and a cozy park bench with lamppost.

Set in the cheery small town of Cranberry, New York (with a population of 15,000) and a hint of Our Town familiarity, Castillo as Kenneth lives a life of simplicity and certainty spending his days with Arthur Gomez as Kenneth’s encouraging and supportive only friend Bert.  In glasses, jeans and a cardigan, Gomez delivers unassuming charisma and infuses warmth, optimism and enthusiasm into Bert’s candid and charming demeanor.  However, there is a lot more to wise Bert than keeping Kenneth company.  Sharing an endearing camaraderie and insightful dialogue, Gomez’s Bert is a source of security for Kenneth who is carrying a lot more than a lonely life on his shoulders.

One would think connection might come naturally in a small town, but not for Kenneth.  With a nervous laugh, at times jittery demeanor, and a vast imagination, Castillo is excellent as Kenneth who confides in the audience and you can’t help but feel protective and a friend to him as he shares his setbacks and challenges while shyly appreciating the little things in life.

Janelle Grace and Luis Negrón nimbly capture multiple roles during the production ranging from local townie to significant figures driving Kenneth’s story.  Luis Negrón transforms into each role so impressively, it may take a moment to catch on while Grace demonstrates amazing and occasionally frenzied comic timing stepping into each role.

Whether Kenneth is sharing a moment of understanding with Negrón or a joyful chance moment with Grace, Primary Trust demonstrates humanity and compassion in each authentic moment.

Primary Trust holds a few important twists and turns best experienced as the story unfolds.  Boasting an inherent depth, it has delightfully amusing moments that help smooth over the heavier elements and dark humor in Booth’s perceptive script without diminishing their significance.  Make no mistake Primary Trust will make you laugh as often as you might be moved.

SpeakEasy Stage continues Eboni Booth’s Pulitzer prize-winning dramedy Primary Trust live and in person at Calderwood Pavilion in Boston, Massachusetts through Saturday, October 11.  Click here for more information and for tickets.