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Jay Shah
DevOps\Aerospace Engineer & Journalist

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⚔️🎭

Jaysuits, as The Three Musketeers continues its swashbuckling adventure at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage, the Arts Club Theatre Company is proving once again that they have something for everyone. While Athos, Porthos, Aramis, and D’Artagnan are busy fencing their way into Vancouver’s heart, the spotlight is shifting to a quieter, more introspective tale at the Granville Island Stage.

“Primary Trust”

Written by the brilliant Eboni Booth, having premiered Off-Broadway in New York in 2023 to rapturous acclaim; this tender, transformative story quickly cemented its place in theatre history by clinching the prestigious

“2024 Pulitzer Prize for Drama“

The Arts Club Theatre Company now proudly becomes the first in Canada; and only the eighth company globally to stage this critically acclaimed masterpiece. Premiering this February beginning February 6th and running until March 2nd, this production offers a heartfelt exploration of human connection and the courage it takes to embrace change. It’s the perfect follow up for those seeking something that hits closer to home, blending the Club’s knack for variety with a story that’s as tender as it is transformative.

So once again, let’s dive in together Jaysuits, as I take you through everything you need to know. From the story and the heartfelt themes, to the brilliant cast bringing this Pulitzer Prize-winning production to life. I’ve got all the details coming your way!

🍹From Tiki Bars to New Beginnings🍹

Set against the backdrop of a small town weathered by time, the play poignantly captures the sense of yearning many of us feel for connection and belonging. A tale of quiet transformations and rediscovering life’s beauty in unexpected places; we meet Kenneth, a 38-year-old bookstore clerk in a sleepy upstate New York town. By day, he’s surrounded by paperbacks and hardcovers; by night, he nurses Mai Tais with Bert. His ever-loyal companion and confidant, a comforting presence that fills the emotional void left by years of isolation. Serving as a safe harbor in his otherwise tumultuous sea of emotions, Bert provides the kind of unconditional support that Kenneth struggles to find

But guess what?

Bert doesn’t exist

A reflection of Kenneth’s inner world; he’s the manifestation of the need for connection, even if that connection is, in many ways, imaginary. A defense mechanism for coping with isolation mirroring how many of us turn inward during times of emotional turmoil, whether thats through habits or even our own inner dialogues distoring our sense of self (delulu as the kids call it these days) and the world around us.

When Kenneth’s predictable world is turned upside down by an unexpected layoff, the carefully constructed walls of his life begin to crack. The loss of his job forces him to step outside the safety of his routine, confronting the loneliness he’s long avoided. Yet, it’s not a story weighed down by sorrow.

As he ventures beyond the familiar, the play explores how friendships—both real and imagined—can be lifelines in moments of profound change. It’s a story about courage, the quiet kind we summon to rebuild ourselves;

“One step at a time“

There’s no grand epiphany or sweeping life overhaul. Instead, it’s a portrait of healing that’s rooted in the ordinary

🤝Connection in a Disconnected World🌍

In a society increasingly marked by disconnection, be it digital or social; Booth explores loneliness with a depth that resonates deeply. Especially in a post-pandemic world where isolation has become a shared reality.

The play premiered in the wake of the pandemic, a period when isolation became a shared global experience. For many, this forced separation from loved ones underscored the fragility of human connection and the resilience required to rebuild it.

Kenneth’s journey of rediscovering his place in the world mirrors the collective yearning for reconnection that has defined the post-pandemic era. His story taps into the universal longing for community and belonging, reminding us that even in our loneliest moments, we are never truly alone. Booth’s exploration of small town life, with its slower pace and close knit relationships, serves as a counterpoint to the often chaotic and isolating experience of modern urban living.

Moreover, this speaks to the broader conversation about mental health and the stigma surrounding loneliness. Booth doesn’t shy away from portraying Kenneth’s vulnerabilities, offering a nuanced portrayal of how isolation can impact one’s emotional well-being.

The play champions the idea that healing begins with small steps; whether it’s reaching out for help, embracing change, or simply allowing oneself to be seen. A meditation on the courage it takes to start over.

These emotional arcs invites us to ask ourselves difficult but necessary questions:

How often do we settle for what feels safe instead of reaching for what’s meaningful? How much do we rely on our internal coping mechanisms rather than seeking real human connection? And, most importantly, what would happen if we let others see us for who we truly are?

The theme of kindness also runs like a golden thread, in a world often defined by its harshness (especially now with current international affairs across the border), this story dares to ask:

What if we chose compassion?

A smile

A helping hand

A reminder that kindness isn’t just a nicety; it’s a lifeline

✍️ “Eboni Booth: The voice of a generation” ✨

Hailing from New York City, Booth is a multifaceted artist; a writer and actress whose voice is becoming a powerful force in contemporary theatre. She crafted Primary Trust as part of her fellowship at Juilliard, where her ability to weave tender, human stories earned her accolades even before the play hit the stage.

Booth first captured critical attention with her debut play, Paris, which premiered during the Atlantic Theater’s 2019–2020 season. Praised for its poignant storytelling and unflinching exploration of class and race in small-town America, Paris set the tone for Booth’s storytelling: empathetic, character-driven, peeps unafraid to confront life’s harsh realities.

In true Pulitzer-worthy style, Booth’s writing delicately balances humor and heartache, shining a light on the universal struggles of human connection. She finds magic in the mundane, turning everyday moments, a chat at a tiki bar, a kind gesture from a stranger; into poignant reflections on life’s greater meaning reminding us that sometimes, the most profound changes happen in the quiet moments we might overlook.

Primary Trust represents the culmination of Booth’s artistic vision. The story’s universal themes of connection and healing resonated so profoundly that it was awarded the 2024 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. This burst of success & critical acclaim has opened new doors, including collaborations with HBO and a musical adaptation of The Queen’s Gambit.

For the Arts Club’s Canadian premiere, Booth’s poignant storytelling takes center stage, offering us Vancouverites a chance to witness the work of a playwright who has been hailed as:

“The voice of a generation“

Behind the Curtains

Brought to life by a talented ensemble of actors and an inventive creative team:

Leading the charge behind the scenes is Ashlie Corcoran, the Artistic Director of the Arts Club Theatre Company, who brings her keen understanding of human connection to the director’s chair. Known for her ability to craft nuanced, heartfelt productions, Corcoran has a proven knack for breathing life into stories that explore vulnerability and resilience.

Andrew Broderick, takes on the role of Kenneth. A Toronto-based actor known for his depth and emotional range. Audiences may recognize him from his powerful performances in Choir Boy (Canadian Stage). Broderick is celebrated for his ability to immerse himself in multifaceted roles, bringing authenticity to every character he portrays.

“Be water, my friend“

Living and working within Bruce Lee’s philosophy is Broadus Mattison, who portrays Bert, Kenneth’s imaginary companion and steadfast confidant. Mattison steps into the role of Bert, Kenneth’s steadfast imaginary friend and loyal companion. A seasoned actor with a knack for comedic timing and emotional nuance, Mattison has made a name for himself on stages across North America. Embodying a joyful and disciplined approach to storytelling, much like his role model

The rest of the cast includes the versatile Celia Aloma, who brings to life multiple characters, including Corrina, a waitress, and bank customers who interact with Kenneth at key turning points. Anton Lipovetsky, a multi-talented musician and actor, weaves live music into the narrative, creating an atmospheric soundscape for the production. Andrew Wheeler, a veteran of Vancouver’s stage, rounds out the ensemble, delivering depth and gravitas to roles such as Clay and Sam.

🎟️Join the Journey!🎟️

This is your chance to experience the Canadian premiere of a masterpiece that has captured hearts worldwide. Tickets start at an incredible $29, making this Pulitzer Prize-winning experience accessible for everyone. Looking to make it a group outing? Why not bring your crew along for an evening of laughter, tears, and those “aha” moments only great theatre can deliver?

And for my student Jaysuits, here’s the insider scoop: the rush tickets at the door will be your golden (and budget-friendly) ticket to this emotional rollercoaster.

📅 Key Dates:

• Show runs February 6 to March 2, 2025
• Evening shows: 8 PM
• Weekend matinees: 2 PM

📍 Location:
Granville Island Stage, 1585 Johnston Street, Vancouver

🎟️ Book Now:
Head over to artsclub.com or call 604.687.1644 to reserve your seats today. This is one show you don’t want to leave on your “should have seen” list.

Let’s make it a night, Jaysuits! Meet you at the bar for a Mai Tai before the show!

🍹

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© 2025 Arts Club Theatre Company

A not-for-profit registered charity · No. 11921 3551 RR0001

Primary Trust is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com