Home / Arts and Entertainment / Tru: A Witless Portrait of Truman Capote
Tru: A Witless Portrait of Truman Capote
20 Mar
Summary
- Jesse Tyler Ferguson portrays Truman Capote in a new play.
- The production is set in Capote's apartment in 1975.
- Critics found the play dull and lacking Capote's signature wit.
A revival of Jay Presson Allen's 1989 solo play "Tru," starring Jesse Tyler Ferguson as Truman Capote, recently opened at the House of the Redeemer in Manhattan. The production is set in Capote's fictionalized 1975 New York apartment, shortly after his prominent socialite friends, his "swans," ceased contact following the publication of an excerpt from his unfinished novel, "Answered Prayers."
Directed by Rob Ashford, the play attempts to capture Capote's voice but, according to reviews, falls short. Ferguson's portrayal has been critiqued for not replicating Capote's distinctive vocal affectations, which were famously captured by previous actors. The narrative focuses on Capote name-dropping former friends and recounting social events, rather than offering deeper insight into his relationships or literary process.
Reviewers found the play to be significantly dull and lacking the expected wit associated with Capote. Some of the few moments that elicited laughter involved the play's reliance on common comedic tropes, such as disparaging locations outside of Manhattan. The production's overall assessment suggests a missed opportunity to truly capture the essence of the celebrated author.
